Nifediac Uses

Nifediac CC is used for treating high blood pressure in adults. Although Nifediac CC is not a cure for high blood pressure, it can help to decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as heart disease and strokes) associated with long-term high blood pressure. Some off-label Nifediac CC uses include treating preterm labor, chest pain (angina), and migraine headaches. Nifediac CC has not been approved for use in children.

 

Nifediac Uses: An Overview

Nifediac CC® (nifedipine) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In clinical studies, Nifediac CC has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, Nifediac CC can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, which can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Nifediac CC is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 

How Nifediac Works

Nifediac CC is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Nifediac CC 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. Nifediac CC is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate.
 
(Nifediac Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;