Nifedipine

Substance

Nifedipine is a calcium antagonist of the dihydropyridine group and is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart sensation (angina pectoris).

Fields of application

In Germany, nifedipine is used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure), hypertensive crises (hypertensive crises), heart sensation (angina pectoris) and Raynaud’s syndrome.

Side effects

When taking nifedipine, in addition to the desired effect, other undesirable effects may also occur. These include the following side effects with the drug nifedipine:

  • Headaches, general weakness, reddened face (flush)
  • Dyspepsia, (nausea, bloating, burping, heartburn, retrosternal pain, premature satiety), anorexia, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Feeling unwell, nervousness, sweating, agitation, sleep disorders
  • Drowsiness
  • Hypaesthesia (numbness of the skin)
  • Arthralgias (joint pain), muscle cramps
  • Fever
  • Weakness of vision
  • Polyuria (increased urine penetration)
  • Reflex Tachycardia
  • Infertility (infertility) in men

Contraindications

One or more of the following risk factors argue against your use of nifedipine:

  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Unstable angina pectorisAngina pectoris
  • Acute myocardial infarction
  • High grade aortic valve stenosis
  • Taking Rifampicin
  • Pregnancy

Off-label use

If a man takes nifedipine, the sperm ability to fertilise an egg is impaired. The increased cholesterol level in the sperm, together with the lack of an enzyme, makes it almost impossible for the sperm to penetrate the egg’s shell (zona pellucida). It is currently being discussed whether nifedipine could be used as a contraceptive in men. Once the drug is discontinued, reproduction is once again possible without restriction.