Nifedipine Teva

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Nifedipine Teva

Nifedipine Teva is a prescription-only medicine whose active component is Nifedipine, a chemically synthesized substance that belongs to the pharmacological class of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). This substance is further classified within the dihydropyridine subgroup of CCBs. Nifedipine Teva is recognized as a branded generic product, ensuring adherence to the quality standards established by its manufacturer, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Property Description
Active ingredient Nifedipine
Form Modified-release tablet
Pharmacological class Calcium Channel Blocker (Dihydropyridine)
Origin Synthetic chemical substance

What Type of Medicine is Nifedipine Teva and What is its Composition?

The most common oral administration form of this medicine is the modified-release tablet, a solid dosage form engineered for systemic effect. The modified-release tablet utilizes specialized technology to ensure the active substance Nifedipine is delivered slowly and consistently into the bloodstream over an extended duration, which is a feature clinically recognized for supporting stable blood levels. This feature distinguishes it from conventional immediate-release capsules.

Nifedipine works primarily by inhibiting the movement of calcium into smooth muscle cells. This confirms that the medication is designed to support the circulatory system and ease the burden on the heart.

What is the General Purpose of Nifedipine Teva?

The general purpose is rooted in its core physiological action: inhibiting the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into the cells of vascular smooth muscle. By blocking these calcium channels, the medication causes the peripheral arteries to relax and widen, a process known as vasodilation.

The overall benefit of this mechanism is the fundamental regulation of blood flow dynamics by reducing the systemic vascular resistance against which the heart must pump, providing support for patients requiring chronic vascular management.

Regulatory References

  1. Nifedipine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

What side effects are possible with Nifedipine Teva?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Nifedipine Teva's safety profile is documented by regulatory authorities, with adverse reactions classified primarily by frequency and the body system affected. These classifications are based strictly on data from clinical use and reporting.

Commonly Documented Adverse Reactions

Peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles and legs) is designated as a Very Common adverse reaction in regulatory documents. Reactions classified as Common (geq1/100 to <1/10) often relate to the medicine's vasodilating action, including headache, flushing (redness/warmth), and dizziness. Gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and nausea are also commonly listed.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Time-Related Patterns

Serious adverse reactions documented in official labeling include episodes of severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and reports of increased angina or myocardial infarction. These serious events are more often classified as uncommon or rare. Side effects such as dizziness and fainting (syncope) are explicitly noted as being more likely to occur at the start of treatment or during dose adjustments.

Safety Restrictions and Special Populations

Regulatory documents highlight important safety limitations. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice must be avoided, as co-consumption is documented to significantly increase Nifedipine levels and the risk of adverse effects. Nifedipine is contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock and is generally used with caution in patients with hepatic (liver) impairment, as clearance may be reduced. The use of the medicine is also contraindicated with certain strong CYP3A4-inducing medications, such as rifampin, due to the risk of reduced efficacy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

This information is based on officially documented descriptions of Nifedipine overdose found in government regulatory sources. Any suspected or confirmed overdose requires immediate emergency medical attention.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose with Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, is known to result in severe effects related to excessive vasodilation. Primary clinical manifestations documented in regulatory labeling include severe hypotension (a dangerous drop in blood pressure), various heart rate abnormalities such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or reflex tachycardia (fast heart rate), and disturbances of consciousness, which may progress to coma.

Severe Outcomes and Required Actions

The regulatory profiles indicate that overdose may lead to life-threatening outcomes, including circulatory shock, metabolic acidosis, and pulmonary edema.

Severe Outcome Emergency Action Mandated by Regulators
Circulatory Shock Immediate Medical Attention required
Respiratory Trouble Contact Emergency Services Immediately

Management is defined as symptomatic and supportive. Regulatory documents state that no specific antidote is known for Nifedipine overdose. Procedural measures such as gastric lavage or activated charcoal may be considered to limit further absorption, and continuous cardiac monitoring in a hospital setting is necessary. The modified-release nature of Nifedipine Teva may lead to a delayed onset of toxicity and require extended observation.

Therapeutic Uses of Nifedipine Teva

Nifedipine Teva is considered relevant in clinical settings, applying across therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. It plays a role in managing symptom clusters that may interfere with daily comfort and stability.

This medication is commonly used to help with conditions such as systemic hypertension, chronic stable angina, and vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal’s angina). It may assist with addressing symptoms related to heightened physiological activity in some conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon, which are conditions involving episodic or fluctuating manifestations.

Chronic Control of High Blood Pressure

This domain addresses the persistent condition of systemic hypertension, where symptoms relate to systemic imbalance due to chronically elevated arterial pressure. Nifedipine Teva is commonly used to help with maintaining reduced arterial pressure, a relevant therapeutic benefit that assists with managing the physiological stress associated with the condition. This contributes to reducing the overall symptom burden and functional strain associated with the condition, thereby contributing to easing the overall physiological strain.

Symptom Management and Relief

The medication is considered relevant in clinical settings marked by the recurring symptom of angina (chest discomfort) and peripheral symptoms such as the noticeable coldness and numbness of extremities. It assists with managing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive by providing supportive relief that may assist with managing these symptomatic episodes. This contributes to easing the overall symptom load and assists with maintaining functional stability, providing supportive relief when symptoms may intensify temporarily.

Quick Fact: Relief for Episodic Discomfort
Nifedipine Teva is applied in contexts marked by episodic or fluctuating symptoms, offering supportive relief for recurring anginal chest pain and temporary peripheral vascular spasms.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information on Nifedipine

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile: Who Can and Cannot Use Nifedipine Teva?

This eligibility information is based on official government regulatory documents, outlining populations permitted, restricted, or prohibited from using the medicine.

Absolute Contraindications

Nifedipine Teva must not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity to nifedipine or other dihydropyridines. Use is contraindicated in patients experiencing cardiogenic shock, unstable angina pectoris, or recent myocardial infarction (within one month). Due to the modified-release formulation, it is also contraindicated in patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal narrowing or those receiving the potent enzyme inducer rifampicin.

Population Restrictions and Limitations

Population Group Regulatory Status and Limitation
Pediatric (Under 18) Not recommended; safety and efficacy have not been established.
Pregnancy/Lactation Use during pregnancy is either contraindicated or permitted only when clearly needed; not recommended during lactation.
Hepatic Impairment Requires careful monitoring; a dose reduction may be necessary in severe cases.
Older Adults (>65) Use is permitted, but lower maintenance doses may be required.
Acute Angina Must not be used for the treatment of acute attacks of angina.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents categorize Nifedipine Teva interactions based primarily on how other substances affect its metabolic clearance via the CYP3A4 enzyme system or on additive physiological effects. Certain combinations are strictly contraindicated due to the risk of rendering Nifedipine ineffective.

Classification Official Regulatory Information
Contraindicated Combinations Rifampicin and the herbal product St. John's Wort are prohibited, as they are strong CYP3A4 inducers that markedly reduce Nifedipine concentration.
Metabolic Interactions CYP3A4 inhibitors, including certain Azole Antifungals (e.g., Itraconazole) and Macrolide Antibiotics (e.g., Erythromycin), may increase Nifedipine exposure. Conversely, some Anti-epileptic Drugs (e.g., Phenytoin) decrease exposure.
Pharmacodynamic Effects Co-administration with Beta-blockers or other antihypertensives can lead to an enhanced hypotensive effect. A risk of profound hypotension is also noted with Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate.
Effects on Other Medicines Nifedipine is documented to significantly increase the plasma levels of the immunosuppressant Tacrolimus and the cardiac glycoside Digoxin, requiring caution.
Food and Supplements The consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice must be avoided as it increases Nifedipine exposure due to the inhibition of gut wall metabolism.

Pharmacokinetic changes may be altered in patients with chronic liver impairment, which can affect the magnitude of these documented metabolic interactions.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Nifedipine Teva is defined by its selective molecular blockade of L-type calcium channels, leading to a cascade of effects that regulate vascular tone and systemic resistance.


Molecular Mechanism: Blocking Calcium Influx

Nifedipine Teva's active ingredient acts as an antagonist selective for the L-type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels (Cav1.2 isoform) primarily found in vascular smooth muscle cells. The drug binds to these channels and prevents the entry of extracellular calcium ions ( Ca^2+) into the cell cytoplasm. This molecular inhibition is the foundational step that arrests the Ca^2+-dependent pathway necessary for muscle contraction, which defines its action as a specific ion-channel blocker.


Causal Cascade: Arterial Vasodilation and Resistance

By blocking Ca^2+ influx, Nifedipine interrupts the cellular signaling sequence involving Myosin Light-Chain Kinase (MLCK), leading directly to the relaxation of the arterial smooth muscle and widespread arterial vasodilation. Physiologically, this action decreases the Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR), which is the total pressure exerted by the vessels on the circulatory system. This reduction in SVR directly lowers the mechanical force, or cardiac afterload, that the heart must overcome for ventricular ejection.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration and Dosing for Nifedipine Teva

Nifedipine Teva is a modified-release tablet and is administered orally. The administration protocol is precisely defined to ensure the active substance, Nifedipine, is released slowly and consistently over a 24-hour period.

Official Dosing Regimens

Administration Detail Official Guideline (Based on Extended-Release Formulations)
Route of Administration Oral
Dosing Frequency Once daily
Usual Starting Dose 30 mg or 60 mg once daily
Maximum Dose Typically up to 90 mg or 120 mg once daily

Procedural Instructions

  1. Swallow the Tablet Whole: The modified-release tablet must be swallowed whole with liquid. The tablet should not be split, crushed, or chewed, as this compromises the extended-release mechanism.
  2. Avoid Grapefruit: Consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice must be avoided during the course of treatment.
  3. Dose Adjustment: The starting dose is usually low (30 mg or 60 mg) and may be adjusted gradually every 7 to 14 days to find the necessary maintenance dose.
  4. Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, guidelines suggest taking the next dose at the regular time and not taking a double or extra dose to compensate.

Population-Specific Use

For older adults and patients with hepatic impairment, careful monitoring is required, and a lower maintenance dose may be necessary. Use in children and adolescents below 18 years is not currently recommended.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Managing High Blood Pressure

The research for Nifedipine modified-release formulations is extensive, primarily involving large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) summarized through meta-analyses. Studies evaluated the medication against placebo or against other active treatments. Researchers monitored participants to measure systolic and diastolic arterial pressure and tracked the incidence of prespecified cardiovascular outcomes over extended periods. Studies reported measurements related to arterial pressure in the study populations. However, findings from older, immediate-release products are not considered applicable to the current formulation due to safety concerns specific to those historical dosage forms. Research exploring its use as a single, first-line therapy compared to all alternative blood pressure medications may be limited in certain subgroups.


Evidence for Angina Symptoms

Research for Chronic Stable Angina involved controlled clinical studies that explored how the medication was observed in patients experiencing recurring chest discomfort. Outcomes examined included the frequency of anginal attacks and measured exercise tolerance. For Vasospastic Angina, the research focused on the medication’s capacity for affecting coronary artery spasm. Studies reported patterns related to coronary artery spasm following administration. Some controlled studies also reported that certain patient groups were observed in scenarios using combination therapy, and evidence distinguishing these specific patient groups remains limited. Data for Raynaud’s phenomenon largely involved short-term trials that examined the frequency, duration, and severity of vasospastic attacks.


Research Gaps and Uncertainties

The certainty of the evidence varies across studies and indications. One key gap is that the results apply only to the populations studied; comparative evidence is lacking for certain less common subgroups. For symptomatic conditions, while studies help show what has been observed so far, there is limited information for long-term outcomes regarding the sustained pattern of symptoms, and the consistency of long-term patient-reported experiences may be uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Nifedipine Teva (FAQ)


Q: What is Nifedipine Teva primarily used for?

A: Nifedipine Teva is approved for use in adults to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and to help with the symptoms of chronic stable angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart).


Q: How does Nifedipine Teva generally work?

A: Nifedipine belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers. It works by affecting the movement of calcium in the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This action is associated with the relaxation of muscles in blood vessels, which may contribute to their widening. This can potentially assist in lowering blood pressure and increasing the blood supply to the heart muscle.


Q: Is Nifedipine Teva considered a cure for high blood pressure?

A: No, Nifedipine Teva is a treatment used to manage the symptoms and severity of hypertension and angina. It is generally not considered a cure. Consistent management of the underlying condition often requires continued use as directed by a healthcare provider, alongside lifestyle considerations.


Q: What are some potential side effects associated with Nifedipine Teva?

A: Like many medicines, Nifedipine Teva may be associated with side effects. Common reports include headache, flushing (feeling warm, red, or tingly), and edema (swelling), particularly in the ankles or feet. Anyone experiencing adverse effects should consult their healthcare provider.


Q: Can Nifedipine Teva be stopped abruptly if blood pressure is controlled?

A: Patients should not stop taking Nifedipine Teva abruptly unless specifically instructed to do so by a qualified healthcare professional. For certain conditions, suddenly stopping the medication may be associated with adverse effects, such as a temporary worsening of angina symptoms. All changes to therapy should be made under medical supervision.

How should Nifedipine Teva be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Nifedipine modified-release tablets must be stored according to specific regulatory conditions to maintain product stability and quality.

Storage

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature, typically below 30 C; the medicine must be kept from freezing.
Protection Requires protection from light and moisture/humidity due to the light-sensitive nature of the active substance.
Handling Keep the container tightly closed and store the medicine out of the reach of children.

Disposal

Unused or expired medication should not be kept. Any unused product or waste material must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist regarding the proper method for discarding the medicine.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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