Nifedipine causes symptomatic side-effects in 20 to 30% of the treated subjects. These are based primarily on its vasodilating properties and can be reduced through combinations with beta-blockers. 5 to 12% complain about headaches, hot flushes, paresthesias, palpitations, vertigo, legedemas and gastrointestinal problems. Fatigue, impaired reaction and orthostatic hypotension are not as common. Significant deterioration has been observed repeatedly when nifedipine was used for left ventricular failure. Occasionally nifedipine causes an increase of myocardial ischemias.

Hypersensitive reactions (pruritus, urticaria, bronchospasms, hepatic function disorders) are rare.

Nifedipine: Interactions

Cimetidine can cause a reinforced effect of nifedipine through enzyme inhibition. Nifedipine can raise phenytoin and theophylline plasma levels.

Unfavourable interactions with betablockers and digoxin have been suspected but were not confirmed clinically.

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