Select a drug to compare its key attributes with others:
Select a drug to view its quick summary.
Adalat is a brand‑name formulation of nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris. It works by relaxing vascular smooth muscle, lowering blood pressure, and improving coronary blood flow
If you’ve been prescribed a pill for high blood pressure or chest pain, chances are you’ve heard the name Adalat. But the market is crowded with similar‑acting drugs, and each has its own quirks. This guide walks you through the most common alternatives, highlights where they overlap, and points out the subtle differences that matter when you or a loved one decide which medication fits best.
Nifedipine belongs to the calcium channel blocker class. By inhibiting L‑type calcium channels in arterial smooth muscle, it prevents calcium influx, which relaxes vessels and reduces peripheral resistance. The result is lower systolic and diastolic pressure. In the coronary arteries, the same relaxation eases the heart’s oxygen demand, relieving angina.
The drug is available in immediate‑release (IR) and extended‑release (ER) tablets. The IR form peaks within 30‑60 minutes, making it useful for sudden chest‑pain episodes, while ER provides steadier levels for chronic hypertension.
Below are the most frequently prescribed replacements, each with its own pharmacologic profile.
Amlodipine is a long‑acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that offers a once‑daily dose, a half‑life of about 35‑50 hours, and a lower incidence of reflex tachycardia than nifedipine.
Felodipine shares the dihydropyridine backbone with amlodipine but is metabolized faster, giving a half‑life of roughly 11‑16 hours and requiring once‑daily dosing for most patients.
Verapamil is a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker that affects both vascular smooth muscle and the cardiac conduction system, often resulting in a slower heart rate and useful in certain arrhythmias.
Diltiazem sits between dihydropyridines and phenylalkylamines; it modestly reduces heart rate while still providing vasodilation, making it a hybrid choice for patients with hypertension plus atrial fibrillation.
| Drug | Class | Typical Dose | Half‑life (hrs) | Primary Indication | Common Side‑effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adalat (Nifedipine) | Dihydropyridine CCB | 30‑60 mg ER daily | 2‑5 (IR) / 6‑9 (ER) | Hypertension, angina | Headache, flushing, peripheral edema |
| Amlodipine | Dihydropyridine CCB | 5‑10 mg daily | 35‑50 | Hypertension, chronic angina | Swelling, dizziness, gum overgrowth |
| Felodipine | Dihydropyridine CCB | 5‑10 mg daily | 11‑16 | Hypertension | Headache, flushing, edema |
| Verapamil | Phenylalkylamine CCB | 80‑240 mg daily | 3‑7 | Hypertension, arrhythmias | Constipation, bradycardia, AV block |
| Diltiazem | Benzothiazepine CCB | 120‑360 mg daily | 3‑5 | Hypertension, angina, atrial fibrillation | Fatigue, edema, liver enzyme rise |
Every drug sits on a balance sheet of benefits vs. drawbacks. Below are the most critical decision points.
Scenario 1 - Acute Chest Pain: Jane, a 58‑year‑old with intermittent angina, visits urgent care after a sudden pressure sensation. The clinician chooses immediate‑release nifedipine (Adalat) for its rapid onset, giving relief within an hour.
Scenario 2 - Chronic Hypertension with Diabetes: Mark, 62, struggles with blood‑pressure control despite lifestyle changes. His doctor opts for amlodipine because it does not interfere with his metformin, has a low risk of worsening glucose control, and offers a convenient once‑daily pill.
Scenario 3 - Hypertension + Atrial Fibrillation: Lucy, 70, is on a beta‑blocker for rhythm control but still has high pressure readings. Diltiazem is selected for its modest rate‑slowing effect, complementing the beta‑blocker without causing excessive bradycardia.
Even well‑chosen meds can trip you up. Keep an eye on these common issues.
Understanding calcium channel blockers fits into a broader cardiovascular toolkit. Other drug families that frequently intersect with CCB therapy include:
Exploring these connections helps you see why a clinician might stack medications or rotate between classes based on your response.
No. Although both are calcium channel blockers, they differ in dosing, half‑life, and side‑effect profile. A physician should assess your blood‑pressure trends, other meds, and any history of edema before making the change.
The rapid vasodilation of blood vessels in the brain can briefly increase blood flow, triggering a headache. Taking the drug with food or switching to the extended‑release form often reduces this effect.
Verapamil does not directly affect the lungs, but because it can lower heart rate, it may exacerbate exercise‑induced breathlessness. Discuss alternatives like amlodipine with your pulmonologist if asthma is a concern.
Diltiazem partially blocks calcium channels in the heart, slowing the sinus node and AV conduction, which can lower heart rate. Nifedipine primarily targets vascular smooth muscle, leaving heart rate largely unchanged.
Doctors usually check blood pressure and heart rate within the first week, then again after 2-4 weeks to adjust dosage. Lab tests for liver enzymes are recommended for verapamil and diltiazem, while a basic metabolic panel suffices for dihydropyridines.
Write a comment