Adalat

Adalat CC is a prescription medication used to control high blood pressure. The medication is a type of calcium channel blocker that helps to relax the blood vessels to make it easier for the heart to pump blood. Although most people tolerate the medication well, there are potential side effects of Adalat CC, such as swelling, headaches, and dizziness. Adalat CC comes in the form of an extended-release tablet that is usually taken once a day.

 

What Is Adalat?

Adalat CC® (nifedipine) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Adalat CC tablets are extended release, which means they slowly release the medication evenly over time. A short-acting version (Adalat®) was available in the past, but it is no longer manufactured.
 
(Click Adalat Uses for more information on what Adalat CC is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Adalat?

Adalat CC is made by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Generic Adalat CC is made by a few different manufacturers and is sold under various names.
 

How Does Adalat Work?

Adalat CC is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Adalat CC helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your 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. Adalat CC is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not usually decrease the heart rate.
 

When and How to Take Adalat

Some general considerations for when and how to take Adalat CC include:
 
  • Adalat CC comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
     
  • Adalat CC should be taken on an empty stomach.
     
  • Because Adalat CC tablets are extended release, they should not be broken, crushed, or chewed. Be sure to swallow Adalat CC tablets whole.
     
  • Adalat CC should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Adalat CC to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Adalat CC will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Adalat Dosing

The dose of Adalat CC your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Adalat CC dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Adalat Dosage for more information about dosing for Adalat CC.)
 

Adalat Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Adalat CC. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When Adalat CC side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Adalat CC include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Swelling or water retention in the hands, feet, or lower legs
  • Headaches
  • Flushing or hot flashes
  • Dizziness.
     
(Click Adalat Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Adalat CC, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about other possible Adalat CC side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions With Adalat

Adalat CC can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
 
(Click Adalat Drug Interactions for more information about Adalat CC and other medicines.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Adalat CC if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Adalat Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Adalat CC.)
 

Overdose With Adalat

People who take too much Adalat CC may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Fluid in the lungs.
     
If you happen to overdose on Adalat CC, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Adalat Overdose for more information.)
 

Adalat: Storage Methods

Adalat CC should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Adalat CC tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep Adalat CC and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Adalat: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Adalat CC as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Adalat CC.
 

Adalat Strengths

Adalat CC tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Adalat CC 30 mg tablets
  • Adalat CC 60 mg tablets
  • Adalat CC 90 mg tablets.
     
Two Adalat CC 30 mg tablets can be substituted for one Adalat CC 60 mg tablet. However, three Adalat CC 30 mg tablets cannot be substituted for one Adalat CC 90 mg tablet. In studies, people who took three 30 mg tablets had higher blood levels of Adalat CC compared to people who took one 90 mg tablet.
 

Adalat Generic

Currently, there are both brand-name and generic versions of Adalat CC licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Adalat for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;