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.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;