Afeditab

Afeditab CR is an extended-release medication that is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is a type of calcium channel blocker and works by relaxing the blood vessels to improve blood flow and make it easier for the heart to pump blood. The medication comes in the form of a tablet that is taken by mouth, usually once daily. Common side effects of Afeditab CR include swelling, headaches, and dizziness.

 

What Is Afeditab?

Afeditab CR® (nifedipine) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Afeditab CR tablets are extended release, which means they slowly and evenly release the medication over time.
 
(Click Afeditab Uses for more information on what Afeditab CR is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Afeditab?

Afeditab CR is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Afeditab Work?

Afeditab CR is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Afeditab CR helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and into the walls of the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which allows better blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Afeditab CR is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate.
 
(Afeditab Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;