title: Nifedipine therapy in angina pectoris: evaluation of safety and side effects.
abstract: Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker, differs in structure and mode of action not only from the nitrates and beta blockers but also from the other well-known calcium-channel blockers. These differences have important implications for the treatment of angina pectoris. Our clinical experience over a period of 6 years with all types of angina patients--mostly those with chronic stable angina but also those with Prinzmetal's and unstable angina-corroborates the efficacy reports published in the world literature. Although the safety profile of nifedipine has been generally regarded as favorable, a few reports of clinically significant adverse effects in specific patient groups have appeared in the literature. In order to provide a more comprehensive assessment of safety, the records of over 3000 patients treated with nifedipine in open and controlled multiple-dose studies were tabulated and analyzed. Of special concern were patients with clinically significant adverse experiences, patients with a concomitant diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF), patients who were being treated concurrently with beta blockers, and patients who had been taking nifedipine for more than 6 months. Results of this analysis confirm that nifedipine can be safely administered to a broad spectrum of angina patients, including those with a concomitant diagnosis of CHF and those receiving concurrent therapy with beta-blocking agents.
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000788:Angina Pectoris, Variant / Q000188:drug therapy; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D004244:Dizziness / Q000139:chemically induced; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D009566:Nitrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011725:Pyridines / Q000633:toxicity*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009566:Nitrates; D011725:Pyridines; D009543:Nifedipine