What are the side effects of sustained-release nifedipine tablets?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the side effects of nifedipine sustained-release tablets may include facial flushing, headache, palpitations, ankle edema, hypotension, etc. Patients should closely monitor their physical reactions and follow medical instructions when taking nifedipine sustained-release tablets. If any discomfort or abnormal symptoms occur, prompt medical attention should be sought and the patient should inform the doctor about their medication use.
Generally, the side effects of Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets may include facial flushing, headache, palpitations, ankle edema, hypotension, and others. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Facial Flushing
Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets act on vascular smooth muscle, causing peripheral vasodilation. The facial vessels are particularly rich and superficial, and increased blood flow after vasodilation can lead to facial flushing. Patients may experience facial redness after taking the medication, which is usually more noticeable during the initial phase of treatment. As the body adapts to the drug, this symptom may gradually subside.
2. Headache
This medication may cause cerebral vasodilation, leading to pulsatile changes in intracranial blood vessels, which can stimulate surrounding nerve endings and result in headache. The headache typically occurs shortly after taking the drug, and the pain may be located in the forehead or bilateral temples. In some patients, as the duration of treatment increases and the body develops tolerance to the drug, the headache may improve.
3. Palpitations
While dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure, Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets may reflexively stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate. Patients may feel palpitations, such as a strong heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms may be more pronounced during physical activity or emotional fluctuations.
4. Ankle Edema
After the drug causes arteriolar dilation, capillary pressure increases, making it easier for fluid within blood vessels to leak into the interstitial spaces, resulting in tissue edema. This fluid tends to accumulate particularly in areas such as the ankles, leading to swelling.
5. Hypotension
Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets are antihypertensive drugs. If the dosage is too high or the patient is overly sensitive to the medication, excessive blood pressure reduction may occur, causing hypotension. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, and visual darkening, and in severe cases, syncope may occur. Symptoms may be more pronounced during postural changes, such as suddenly standing up from a lying position.
When using Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets, patients should closely monitor their physical responses and follow medical instructions for medication. If any discomfort or abnormal symptoms occur, prompt medical attention should be sought, and the patient should inform the doctor of their medication history.
