Structural Biochemistry/Adalat

Overview

Adalat is drugs with generic name nifedipine produced by Bayer and is classified as a calcium channel blocker. It has the chemical name 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro=2,6=dimethyl-4=(2=nitrophenyl I)-dimethyl ester. The drug is often prescribed to treat hypertension. The drug is available in tablet form and has a bioavailability of 84-89 percent after oral administration. Nifedipine is metabolized via the cytochrome P450 3A4 system, located both in the intestinal mucosa and in the liver with a half life of 2 hours. The drug is 1,4 dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and is a selective vasodilator. Normally in the heart, heart rate is increased by calcium ions binding to calcium channels within the heart. The increased heart rate causes vasoconstriction in the arteries by shrinking the artery wall. What the drug does is actually block calcium from interacting with the calcium channels within the heart and this allows the artery walls to dilate to prevent hypertension while the heart slows down. Some of the extreme side effects include hypotension, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. It is also important to not have grape fruit with this drug.

Side Effects

Contact a doctor if you present one or more of the following symptoms after taking adalat:

hives
difficulty breathing
swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue
worsening angina
feel like passing out
short of breath
swelling on your limbs
fast heartbeat pounding
numbness
jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
chest pain or heavy feeling

Less serious side effects include:

headache
dizziness
drowsiness
constipation
nausea
diarrhea
stomach pain
insomnia
rash or itching
joint pain
more urination than usual

Incompatibility with other drugs

Adalat might produce severe reactions if mixed with one or more of the following medications:

acarbose
cimetidine
fentanyl or other narcotic pain medications
digoxin
nefazodone
St. John's wort
rifabutin
blood thinner
anti-fungal medication
beta-blocker
heart rhythm medication
HIV/AIDS medication
seizure medication

References

http://www.drugs.com/adalat.html

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3846

http://www.rxlist.com/adalat-drug.htm

https://online.epocrates.com

http://online.factsandcomparisons.com