What are the side effects of Nifedipine tablets?
Mar 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Nifedipine tablets are a commonly used cardiovascular medication. Possible side effects of Nifedipine tablets may include facial flushing, headache, palpitations, lower limb edema, and gingival hyperplasia. Nifedipine tablets may cause various side effects during use. The medication should be taken strictly according to the doctor's instructions, and attention should be paid to monitoring the body's response.
Generally speaking, Nifedipine tablets are a commonly used cardiovascular medication. Possible side effects of Nifedipine tablets may include facial flushing, headache, palpitations, lower limb edema, and gingival hyperplasia. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Facial Flushing
Nifedipine has a vasodilatory effect, including on superficial blood vessels. After administration, the superficial blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases, which can lead to facial flushing. It generally presents as redness of the entire facial skin and may also be accompanied by a sensation of warmth.
2. Headache
Vasodilation can alter the pressure within cerebral blood vessels, stimulating nerve endings around the vessels and causing headache. The severity of headache may vary among individuals; mild cases may experience slight dull pain, while severe cases may present with pulsating pain that can affect daily life and work.
3. Palpitations
Nifedipine tablets can cause peripheral vasodilation and a subsequent drop in blood pressure, which reflexively activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to tachycardia and the sensation of palpitations. Patients typically feel a markedly rapid and forceful heartbeat, sometimes accompanied by anxiety, chest tightness, and other discomforts, which may become more pronounced after physical activity.
4. Lower Limb Edema
After Nifedipine dilates the blood vessels, it changes the intravascular pressure, causing fluid to leak from the vessels into the interstitial spaces and accumulate in areas such as the lower limbs, resulting in edema. It usually starts at the ankles and gradually spreads upward, with varying degrees of severity. Mild cases may only show slight swelling, while severe cases may exhibit obvious pitting edema.
5. Gingival Hyperplasia
Long-term use of Nifedipine tablets may stimulate the gingival tissue, causing gingival cell proliferation, which leads to swollen and bleeding gums and may even affect normal tooth function. Gingival hyperplasia typically develops gradually over months to years after starting the medication, presenting as enlarged and hypertrophic gingival margins and papillae that may cover parts of the tooth surfaces.
When using this medication, it should be strictly taken according to the doctor's instructions, and attention should be paid to monitoring the body's response. If serious or persistent side effects occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly.
