Description

Adalat is a calcium channel blocker (nifedipine) indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain) by relaxing and expanding blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce cardiac workload.

 Prescription

• Prescription-only (Rx). It must be prescribed by a medical practitioner; not available OTC .

 Therapeutic Category

• Antihypertensive (for lowering blood pressure)
• Antianginal agent (for prevention of angina pectoris) .

 Active Ingredients / Composition

• Nifedipine extended‑release, available in 30 mg or 60 mg per tablet. No additional vitamins or minerals included.

Vitamins / Minerals

• None — no added vitamins or minerals.

Variant

• 30 mg and 60 mg extended-release (LA/CC/OROS) tablet formulations
• Also available in other strengths (e.g. 90 mg) in different international markets .

Consume Type

• Oral film-coated extended‑release tablet, swallowed whole with water. Should not be chewed or broken to maintain controlled release properties.

Directions / Usage

• Hypertension: Generally 30–60 mg once daily, adjusted based on individual response. Doses above 90 mg/day are not routinely recommended.
  
• Angina: Similar dosing; extended-release tablets provide sustained relief and prevent anginal attacks.
  
• Should be taken on an empty stomach for consistent absorption; food, especially fatty meals, can increase peak levels by ~60% .

 Common Side Effects

• Very common : Peripheral edema (swelling of legs/ankles) – dose‑dependent  .
• Common: Headache, flushing, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, heartburn, muscle cramps, cough, constipation, weakness .
• Serious (less frequent): Excessive hypotension, bradycardia or tachyarrhythmia, allergic reactions, worsening angina, liver enzyme elevation, gingival hyperplasia, and heart failure in predisposed individuals .

 Package Type

• Sold in blister packs or bottles, typically containing 30 mg or 60 mg tablets, quantities ranging from 10 to 100 tablets per box depending on duration of therapy.

Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature (~15–25 °C), in a dry, dark place, and protected from moisture.
• Keep tablets in original blister to preserve integrity and prevent degradation.
• Keep out of reach of children .
  

Safety Advice

• Contraindications: Recent myocardial infarction (within 1 month), unstable angina, cardiogenic shock, known hypersensitivity to nifedipine or excipients, severe hepatic impairment, or narrowing of heart valves or intestines.
  Warnings: Avoid abrupt cessation; dose titration should be gradual.
  Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice within 3 days before or during therapy due to CYP3A4 interactions increasing drug levels .
• Caution in elderly patients and those with renal or hepatic impairment due to altered pharmacokinetics .
• May cause dizziness—avoid driving or operating machinery until response is known.
• Inform healthcare provider before surgery or when combining with medications like beta‑blockers, digoxin, rifampicin, antifungals, antiretrovirals, or St. John’s Wort.

Product Substitutes

• Generic nifedipine extended‑release (various brands like Accord‑UK, Sandoz, Mylan, etc.)
• Alternative calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, felodipine, or diltiazem, based on clinical profile.
• Short‑acting nifedipine capsules (e.g., Procardia) are available but less preferred due to risk of rapid hypotension.

Manufacturer / Marketer

• Adalat is originally a brand of Bayer, marketed internationally.
• Distribution in Ghana (e.g. Adalat 30 mg/60 mg box) is handled by local pharmacies like Scab Pharmacy Limited.

Country of Origin

• Manufactured by Bayer in regulated pharmaceutical plants (often in Europe). Extended-release tablets are produced under strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
  
• Local packaging carries the brand name and dosage; imported into Ghana .