Common Use

Adalat belongs to the class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It works by reducing the flow of calcium ions through calcium channels into heart muscle cells and the smooth muscle cells of coronary and peripheral blood vessels and arteries. This medication helps to widen coronary arteries during spasms and affects unchangeable segments of vessels with partial stenosis. By decreasing the tone of smooth muscles in coronary arteries, Adalat prevents coronary spasms, increases coronary perfusion, and improves oxygen supply to the heart muscle. This facilitates more efficient blood pumping and reduces the heart's workload. Adalat is commonly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina.

Dosage and Direction

The typical dosage for Adalat capsules is 10 to 20 mg taken three times daily. Capsules should be swallowed whole. Extended-release tablets are taken once daily, with a usual dose of 30 or 60 mg. If necessary, the daily dose can be increased to 120 mg. Tablets should also be swallowed whole and not crushed or split. Adalat can be taken with or without food. For rapid relief of hypertensive crisis symptoms, a single dose of 10 mg is recommended, with an additional capsule taken after 30 minutes if needed.

Precautions

Adalat is classified as FDA pregnancy category C, meaning its effects on an unborn baby are not fully known. Patients over 65 years of age are more likely to experience side effects, so a lower dose may be prescribed. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Adalat, as it can increase the medication's concentration in the bloodstream.

Contraindications

Consult a doctor before taking Adalat if you have:

• Allergy to Adalat
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Cardiogenic shock
• Simultaneous use with Rifampicin
• Acute hypotension
• Ileostomy after proctocolectomy
• Age under 18 years (safety and effectiveness not established)

Use Adalat cautiously in cases of:

• Cardiac insufficiency
• Severe aortic stenosis
• Subaortic stenosis
• Acute myocardial infarction with left ventricular failure
• Acute bradycardia
• Hepatic failure
• Severe cerebrovascular disorders
• Mild to moderate arterial hypotension
• Stenosis of the gastrointestinal tract
• Advanced age
• Malignant arterial hypertension
• Hypovolemia treated by hemodialysis

Possible Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Unusually fast or slow heartbeats
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Psychosis
• Jaundice
• Swelling in the legs or ankles

Less severe side effects may include:

• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Flushing
• Insomnia
• Vivid or abnormal dreams
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Increased urination

These effects may worsen if Adalat is taken with alcohol.

Drug Interactions

Adalat may interact with other medications, leading to:

• Congestive heart failure, especially in patients on beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol)
• Hypotension, particularly when taken with other blood pressure-lowering drugs
• Increased digoxin toxicity due to reduced kidney elimination

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Overdose

An overdose of Adalat requires emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

Storage

Store Adalat tablets at a temperature of 15-25°C (59-77°F). Keep them away from light, moisture, and humidity.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for general knowledge and does not cover all possible directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. We disclaim responsibility for any errors in this information or consequences of its use.