Adalat Retard tablet

About Adalat Retard tablet

Adalat Retard Tablet Uses

• High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults.
• Long term prevention of chronic stable angina.
• Vasospastic angina caused by spasm of the heart arteries.
• Add on treatment with other blood pressure medicines when needed.

Adalat Retard Tablet Benefits

• Helps keep blood pressure steady over many hours.
• Reduces how often angina attacks occur.
• Slow release form allows twice daily dosing for most patients.

What Experts Say

Adalat Retard contains nifedipine in a slow release tablet. The slow release delivers the drug gradually, which keeps blood pressure steadier between doses than a standard tablet. Doctors often prefer slow release nifedipine for long term control because it avoids the sharp drops in pressure seen with fast acting forms.

Nifedipine relaxes the muscle in artery walls by blocking calcium entry. Wider vessels lower blood pressure and let more blood reach the heart muscle, which reduces angina. It is not meant for sudden blood pressure spikes or for use under the tongue, which can cause a rapid and unsafe fall in pressure.

Ankle swelling, flushing and headache are common, especially in the first weeks. The tablet must be swallowed whole, and grapefruit juice should be avoided because it raises nifedipine levels. Regular blood pressure checks and routine follow up help the doctor adjust the dose, and the tablets should be taken even when the person feels well.

Drug Class

• Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.

Adalat Retard tablet formula

• Nifedipine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Adalat Retard tablet?

• Adults: 1 Adalat Retard tablet twice daily, or as prescribed by the doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not crush, break or chew it.
• Take it at the same times each day and keep taking it even when blood pressure feels normal.
• Do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

Drug Interactions

• Rifampicin: It lowers nifedipine levels and can reduce blood pressure control.
• Ketoconazole, itraconazole and clarithromycin: These raise nifedipine levels and can cause low blood pressure.
• Other blood pressure medicines and beta blockers: Combined use can drop blood pressure too far and needs monitoring.
• Grapefruit juice: It increases nifedipine absorption and the risk of side effects.

Risks and warnings

• Low blood pressure: Dizziness or fainting can occur, especially at the start of treatment or after a dose increase.
• Ankle swelling: Fluid retention in the feet and ankles is common and should be reported if it worsens.
• Heart conditions: Not suitable in cardiogenic shock or within the first month after a heart attack unless a doctor decides.
• Grapefruit juice: It raises nifedipine blood levels and should be avoided.
• Liver and pregnancy: Caution is needed in severe liver disease, and use in pregnancy only if the doctor advises.

Adalat Retard Tablet Side Effects

• Headache
• Flushing or warm feeling
• Swelling of ankles and feet
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Tiredness

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C away from moisture.
• Keep the tablets in the original blister until use and protect them from light.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
• Keep out of reach of children.