This fact sheet will explain all you need to know regarding the safe administration of Nifedipine in pregnancy including dosage, pharmacodynamics, side effects, interactions, contraindications and administration. Perfect for student midwives!
BASICS: DOSAGE:
• Antihypertensive - Ca+ channel blocker • Nifedipine - Fast release - 5mg or 10mg
capsule - stat dose (Trust A, 2018)
• Used in hypertensive crisis, hypertensive
disorder and as myometrial relaxant • Nifedipine Slow release - 10mg stat dose
(EMC 2017)
• POM—must be prescribed by a doctor
• Then, 20-80mg daily divided into 12 hours
• Also used to prevent preterm labour
apart
• Presentation = soft capsules, tablets
• Maximum daily dose 80mg
(modified or prolonged release) varying
dosages depending on manufacturer
CONTRAINDICATIONS: GUIDELINES:
• Continuous use in pregnancy • Consider nifedipine only when labetalol is
• Not to be used before 20 weeks - toxicity and not tolerated or contraindicated (NICE
teratogenicity 2019)
• Hypotensive effect can reduce placental blood • BP profile (every 10 mins for 30 mins)
flow needed when first prescribed to monitor
• Hypersensitivity for rapid drop in BP (Trust A, 2018)
SIDE EFFECTS: • Manufacturer advises against use in
• Headache, flushing, dizziness, oedema, may pregnancy and breastfeeding (NICE 2019)
inhibit labour, postural hypotension
PHARMACODYNAMICS: RISK TO FETUS/NEONATE/BREASTFEEDING:
• Selective calcium channel blocker with mostly • Hypotensive effect can reduce placental
vascular effects blood flow—decrease in fetal oxygenation
• Relaxes smooth arterial muscle, causing • Some reports of toxicity and teratogenicity to
arteries to dilate, therefore reducing the fetus however very limited evidence after
resistance in the coronary and peripheral
20 weeks
circulation
• Transferred into breastmilk - not known to
• This reduces blood pressure and therefore the
cause harm however to reduce intake amount
hearts overall workload
for baby, it is recommended to wait 3-4 hours
• Eliminated 60-80% in urine, the rest is excreted in
after administration to feed (EMC 2017)
the faeces as metabolites
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller ameliafletch2000. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $7.08. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
