What is the difference between nifedipine tablets and nifedipine controlled-release tablets?

Dec 03, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Nifedipine tablets are sugar-coated, appearing yellow after the coating is removed. They cause a rapid rise in blood drug concentration within a short time, but the duration of action is relatively short. Moreover, the rate of blood pressure reduction is often difficult to control, which may lead to adverse effects. Nifedipine controlled-release tablets are hard, round, convex, rose-red film-coated tablets that can control the extent of blood pressure reduction, maintain stable plasma drug concentrations, and have higher safety.

The differences between nifedipine tablets and nifedipine controlled-release tablets lie in their physical characteristics, duration of pharmacological effect, and safety profiles.

1. Physical characteristics: Nifedipine tablets are sugar-coated tablets that appear yellow after the coating is removed. Nifedipine controlled-release tablets are hard, round, biconvex, rose-red film-coated tablets.

2. Duration of pharmacological effect: When administered sublingually, nifedipine tablets cause a rapid increase in blood drug concentration, resulting in a significant but short-lived reduction in blood pressure. In contrast, due to their special formulation, nifedipine controlled-release tablets maintain stable blood drug concentrations over a longer period—approximately 24 hours.

3. Safety: Although nifedipine tablets have a pronounced antihypertensive effect, the extent and speed of blood pressure reduction are often difficult to control, potentially causing adverse effects or even serious consequences for patients. Nifedipine controlled-release tablets employ advanced technology, typically using laser-drilled holes to allow slow, controlled drug release through small openings, thereby regulating the degree of blood pressure reduction and offering higher safety.

In addition, compared to nifedipine controlled-release tablets, nifedipine tablets have more side effects and contraindications.

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