NIFEDIPINE
(Adalat, Adalat XL, Apo-Nifed PA)Standard Prescription
nifedipine__mg PO Q__H (__mg/kg/dose) (PRN)
Extended release:
nifedipine XL __mg PO Q__H (__mg/kg/24hr)
Extended release:
nifedipine XL __mg PO Q__H (__mg/kg/24hr)
Dosages
Intermittent Hypertensive Episodes:
0.1 - 0.25 mg/kg/dose PO Q4-6H PRN. maximum single dose 10 mg, maximum daily dose 2 mg/kg/day.
Chronic Hypertension:
Children: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/dose PO Q46H. When effective total daily dose has been determined using short-acting capsules the total daily dose may be given once daily (Adalat XL). Maximum 3 mg/kg/day to a maximum dose 120 mg/24 hours.
Adolescents:
Initial: 30 mg (Adalat XL) PO once daily. Usual dosage range: 30-60 mg PO once daily. Maximum 120 mg/day.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:
0.15-0.3 mg/kg/dose PO Q6-8H.
0.1 - 0.25 mg/kg/dose PO Q4-6H PRN. maximum single dose 10 mg, maximum daily dose 2 mg/kg/day.
Chronic Hypertension:
Children: 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/dose PO Q46H. When effective total daily dose has been determined using short-acting capsules the total daily dose may be given once daily (Adalat XL). Maximum 3 mg/kg/day to a maximum dose 120 mg/24 hours.
Adolescents:
Initial: 30 mg (Adalat XL) PO once daily. Usual dosage range: 30-60 mg PO once daily. Maximum 120 mg/day.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:
0.15-0.3 mg/kg/dose PO Q6-8H.
Mechanism of Action
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
Forms Supplied
capsule: 5 mg, 10 mg
XL tablet: 20 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg
Concentration (mg/mL) of nifedipine inside nifedpine capsules varies between brands. The brands stocked by the pharmacy change from time to time. Be aware that all doses drawn from the contents of nifedipine capsules will be approximate.
XL tablet: 20 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg
Concentration (mg/mL) of nifedipine inside nifedpine capsules varies between brands. The brands stocked by the pharmacy change from time to time. Be aware that all doses drawn from the contents of nifedipine capsules will be approximate.
Comments
To prepare doses < 5 mg: Use contents of a 10 mg capsule. (Concentration in 10 mg capsule is approximately 30 mg/mL). Use a 22 or 23 gauge needle attached to a 1 mL tuberculin syringe. Pierce capsule with needle and withdraw desired dose volume. These doses will be approximate and the dose may need to be adjusted based on hypotensive response.
Smallest measurable dose is 1.5 mg (0.05 mL). Nifedipine is very light sensitive. Prepare dose just prior to administration. Discard any unused drug.
For fast absorption, bite the capsule (or liquid inside capsule may be squirted into child's mouth) and then swallow capsule contents. Onset of action 1-5 minutes. (SL absorption is minimal; most effects are due to oral absorption).
Onset of action of XL tablets: 2-2.5 hrs.
Side effects: hypotension, flushing, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations.
Use with caution in patients with aortic stenosis and CHF and CNS injury.
Smallest measurable dose is 1.5 mg (0.05 mL). Nifedipine is very light sensitive. Prepare dose just prior to administration. Discard any unused drug.
For fast absorption, bite the capsule (or liquid inside capsule may be squirted into child's mouth) and then swallow capsule contents. Onset of action 1-5 minutes. (SL absorption is minimal; most effects are due to oral absorption).
Onset of action of XL tablets: 2-2.5 hrs.
Side effects: hypotension, flushing, tachycardia, headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations.
Use with caution in patients with aortic stenosis and CHF and CNS injury.
References
44, 60, 102, 192
Last Edited
2019-07-05 00:55:04