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Controlled Release Nifedipine Case Summary

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Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker which can be used alone or in conjunction with other medications for treatment of angina and hypertension. It decreases the contractility of the arterial smooth muscle as well as the subsequent vasoconstriction through inhibition of calcium ions influx through the L-type calcium channels. As a result, the coronary and systemic arteries become dilated and the delivery of oxygen to the myocardial tissue is increased. Furthermore, the total peripheral resistance is decreased as well as the systemic blood pressure and afterload. When being prescribed with controlled release nifedipine, Mrs Luv would be advised to take great caution because she may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug because of her age. She would be instructed to swallow the medication whole (no chewing, breaking or crushing the tablet) with a glass of water and not to abruptly stop taking the medication without consultation with her physician. She would be informed that controlled release nifedipine may…show more content…
First of all, her age is a concern as this dictates her ability to react to the drug which ultimately affects the effectiveness of the medication. Second, she is pre-diabetic, hence we should be looking for an antihypertensive with a hypoglycaemic action to at least reduce the possibility of her having Type II Diabetes Mellitus whilst managing her high blood pressure. Third, she has liver impairment and unfortunately, she is causing further liver damage through her drinking habits. This presents a challenge to look for an antihypertensive drug which is the least hepatotoxic so as not to contribute to the liver impairment she currently has. Finally, it is already established that Mrs Luv has poor compliance when it comes to her health. Therefore, a medication with a frequency of once a day is better as it will be easier for her to
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