Fortipine LA

What is it?

A class 11 calcium antagonist available as sustained-release, brown/red tablets containing 40mg of nifedipine.

Medical Uses

Angina, high blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults and children over 14 years, 1 tablet taken once each day after a meal, swallowed whole with water. If necessary, dose can be increased to 2 tablets taken in same way once each day.

Special Care

Elderly patients, dialysis, diabetes, liver disorders, weak heart or heart failure, severe low blood pressure.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, angina which is not stable, heart shock, heart attack in last 4 weeks, severe aortic stenosis (abnormal constriction and narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Digoxin, rifampicin, magnesium sulphate delivered intravenously, quinidine, drugs used to treat high blood pressure, cimetidine, dilitiazem, grapefruit.

Known Side Effects

Skin reactions, flushing, low blood pressure, headaches, gastrointestinal upset, muscle pains, lethargy, fluid retention, increased urinary frequency, raised heart beat rate, trembling, 'pins and needles', disturbance of vision, dizziness. Rarely, gum disorders, allergic jaundice, abnormal breast enlargement in men, heart attack. Discontinue in the event of ischaemic pain.

Manufacturer

Goldshield.