Nifedipine indications

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

List of indications

Vasospastic angina

• Unconfirmed vasospasm

Chronic stable angina

• Sustained effectiveness/long-term safety
• Concomitant use with beta-blockers

Hypertension

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Vasospastic angina

Nifedipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the management of vasospastic angina confirmed by any of the following criteria: 1) classical pattern of angina at rest accompanied by ST segment elevation, 2) angina or coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine, or 3) angiographically demonstrated coronary artery spasm. In those patients who have had angiography, the presence of significant fixed obstructive disease is not incompatible with the diagnosis of vasospastic angina, provided that the above criteria are satisfied. Return to top

Unconfirmed vasospasm

Nifedipine extended-release may also be used where the clinical presentation suggests a possible vasospastic component but where vasospasm has not been confirmed, e.g., where pain has a variable threshold on exertion or in unstable angina where electrocardiographic findings are compatible with intermittent vasospasm, or when angina is refractory to nitrates and/or adequate doses of beta blockers. Return to top

Chronic stable angina

Nifedipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the management of chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents. Return to top

Sustained effectiveness/long-term safety

In chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) Nifedipine has been effective in controlled trials of up to eight weeks duration in reducing angina frequency and increasing exercise tolerance, but confirmation of sustained effectiveness and evaluation of long-term safety in these patients is incomplete. Return to top

Concomitant use with beta-blockers

Controlled studies in small numbers of patients suggest concomitant use of Nifedipine and beta-blocking agents may be beneficial in patients with chronic stable angina, but available information is not sufficient to predict with confidence the effects of concurrent treatment, especially in patients with compromised left ventricular function or cardiac conduction abnormalities. When introducing such concomitant therapy, care must be taken to monitor blood pressure closely since severe hypotension can occur from the combined effects of the drugs. Return to top

Hypertension

Nifedipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Return to top

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The content of this page is taken from the FDA package insert for this drug and should not be edited.