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Nifedipine
Drug ClassCalcium Channel Blocker
Year Approved1981
Conditions TreatedHypertension, angina
AvailabilityPrescription
About Nifedipine
A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for high blood pressure and angina. Nifedipine was the first drug in this class. It causes potent blood vessel relaxation. Short acting nifedipine was found to cause dangerous blood pressure drops and is no longer recommended. Extended release formulations are safe and effective. Nifedipine is on the WHO essential medicines list. It is particularly useful for Raynaud phenomenon and preterm labor.