title: Clinical pharmacokinetics of nifedipine. Implications for the care of the elderly.
abstract: Nifedipine, the prototype for the dihydropyridine class of calcium antagonists, has been available for 20 years and its efficacy as a vasodilator and an antihypertensive agent is well recognised. The development of the so-called nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS), which allows once-daily administration, has modified and improved the overall therapeutic profile of nifedipine to such a significant extent that it might almost be considered a new drug entity. The nifedipine GITS is associated with distinct improvements in terms of patient compliance and convenience, and a reduced incidence of adverse effects. With regard to the care of the elderly, this 'new' drug offers the prospect of a well tolerated and effective treatment without major cost implications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Meredith
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000191:economics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009543:Nifedipine