Uses and side effects of Calnif Retard tablets

Calnif retard is a prescription medication used to control hypertension, and to treat heart diseases (Angina). Its generic name is Nifedipine. Calnif retard is given orally. In addition, preparations that are put under the tongue is also available (for rapid reduction of blood pressure).

Calnif retard or slow release tablets

Retard means slow release. 

Retard means slow release. 

Do not crush or divide the medication, otherwise this will rapidly released into blood stream causing severe lowering of blood pressure. 

What your doctor consider when giving Calnif to you?

Some people with history of heart attacks should not be given this medication. So it is very important to mention whether you developed heart attacks before getting this medication.

If you got history of Heart attacks then mention that to your doctor

This medication should not be given, if heart pain (pain in left side of the chest) occurs or worsening of existing pain.

Doctors use this drug cautiously in patients with poor cardiac reserve, heart failure, severe hypotension, elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus, and hepatic impairment.

It is important to mention to your doctor whether you take medications for tuberculosis.

These medications given for Tuberculosis can have significant interactions with  Calnif

In addition, this drug should not be used for following conditions

1.     Cardiogenic shock

2.     Advanced aortic stenosis

3.     Porphyria

4.     Myocardial infarctions (heart attacks).

What are the common side effects of this medication?

Common side effects of Calnif

1.     Stomach upset

2.     Reduced blood pressure

3.     Increased heart rate

4.     Headache

5.     Dizziness

6.     Lethargy

7.     Lack of energy

What are the less common side effects of Calnif?

1.     Syncope (Sudden faint attacks)

2.     Nasal congestion.

3.     Shortness of breath

4.     Anxiety (Sudden terrible fearfulness)

5.     Sleep disturbance

6.     Migraine

7.     Pins and needles (paresthesia).

8.     Aggravation of migraine headaches

9.     Sleep problems

10. Passing increased amount of urine

11. Erectile dysfunction

12. Nose bleeds

13. Muscle pain

Hypersensitivity reactions can occur with some patients. They are hives, rashes, and itchiness, and yellowish discoloration of the body.

Rarely following side effects are reported. They include loss of appetite, swelling of the gums, mood abnormalities, hyperglycemia, and male infertility.

Skin rashes when exposed to sunlight (Photo sensitivity) reactions are also reported.

Difficulty in swallowing, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal ulcers has been reported. Increased sizes of the breasts, even in males can occur.

Very rarely Calnif causes agranulocytosis (reduction in all blood cells).

Pregnancy

This medication can delay delivery of baby. So your doctor may not prescribe this medication during the pregnancy. It is sometimes used to delay delivery when the baby is premature.

This medication can delay Delivery of the baby

Breast feeding

Amount found in milk is too small to be harmful. But manufactures are advising doctors to avoid using Calnif, unless indicated.

This medication generally considered safe during breast feeding

Drug and food interactions

Patients should avoid taking grape fruit juice while taking Calnif. Grapefruit juice can increase plasma concentration of Calnif.

In addition, anti tuberculosis medication, Rifampicin reduces plasma concentration of this drug. Calnif can cause severe drop in the blood pressure, if co administered with beta blockers such as Tenormin.

Side effects can be reduced, if taken wholly with full glass of water without crushing or breaking the capsules.

Sources

AHFS Drug Information

British National Formulary www.bnf.org