Description:

Centria-30 Nifedipine Extended Release Tablets USP 30mg (by NBS Pharmaceuticals or associated branding) is a generic calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine type) in extended-release form. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart’s workload. It treats hypertension (high blood pressure) to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney damage, and manages chronic stable angina (chest pain) by improving oxygen supply to the heart. The 30mg ER strength provides once-daily dosing for 24-hour control. In Ghana (Accra), Centria-30 is a common, affordable generic available in pharmacies for cardiovascular conditions.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; a cardiovascular medication dispensed by pharmacies with Rx for monitoring blood pressure and side effects).

Therapeutic Category:

Calcium Channel Blocker (Antihypertensive / Anti-anginal.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Nifedipine USP 30 mg per extended-release tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical for USP ER formulations): Cellulose acetate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene oxide, sodium chloride, titanium dioxide, iron oxides (for coloring), and polymers/coating agents for controlled 24-hour release (osmotic pump or matrix system). Tablets are usually round, biconvex, and colored (e.g., pink/orange).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Centria-30 Nifedipine Extended Release 30mg Tablets (standard 30mg ER strength). Related variants: Centria-20 (20mg ER, lower dose) or other nifedipine ER generics (e.g., 60mg if available). The 30mg is a common starting/maintenance dose.

Consume Type:

Oral – Extended-release tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush, chew, break, or split to preserve controlled-release mechanism).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (usually once daily).

• Hypertension or angina: Starting dose typically 30 mg once daily (morning preferred).
• Maintenance: 30–90 mg once daily, adjusted by doctor. Take consistently (with or without food; food may slightly affect absorption). Do not stop abruptly (rebound risk); taper under supervision. Monitor blood pressure regularly.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Headache
• Dizziness/lightheadedness (especially standing)
• Flushing (warmth/redness in face/neck)
• Peripheral edema (swelling in ankles/feet/legs)
• Fatigue/weakness Other: Nausea, palpitations, muscle cramps. Serious (seek help): Severe hypotension, worsening chest pain, rapid heartbeat, allergic reactions, or gum overgrowth (long-term).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 3×10 = 30 tablets or multiples; foil blisters in carton with leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Risk of hypotension—rise slowly to avoid dizziness/falls.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, cardiogenic shock, severe hypotension, or acute MI.
• Caution in heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, liver impairment, pregnancy (avoid if possible, Category C), breastfeeding, or elderly.
• Avoid grapefruit juice (increases levels/toxicity).
• Inform doctor of medications (interacts with beta-blockers, digoxin, etc.).
• If angina worsens, severe headache, swelling, or shortness of breath, seek urgent care.
• Regular BP monitoring required.

Product Substitutes: Other nifedipine ER 30mg tablets in Ghana:

• Generic Nifedipine ER 30mg (various importers).
• Adalat CC/Procardia XL equivalents (if stocked).
• Pinek 30 XL or similar generics. Alternatives: Amlodipine (e.g., Amlodac), Felodipine, or other CCBs (doctor switch recommended).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

NBS Pharmaceuticals (or associated generic producer; Centria is a branded generic line). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Trafalgar Gate Pharma, Scab Pharmacy, Allschoolabs, or Accra distributors).

Country of Origin:

India (typical for generic nifedipine ER USP 30mg tablets like Centria imported to Ghana; USP/BP-compliant and widely available locally).