Amlodipine vs. Nifedipine: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 30, 2023
Amlodipine and nifedipine are both calcium channel blockers, but amlodipine has a longer duration of action and is used for hypertension and angina, while nifedipine is often used for angina and preterm labor.
Key Differences
Amlodipine and nifedipine are both medications that belong to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. They work by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels. Amlodipine is commonly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain), while nifedipine is used to treat angina and other conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon and preterm labor.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
In terms of chemical structure, amlodipine and nifedipine are quite similar, but they differ in terms of their pharmacokinetics and duration of action. Amlodipine has a longer half-life and duration of action compared to nifedipine, which means it can be taken less frequently. Amlodipine is typically taken once a day, while nifedipine may need to be taken three to four times a day.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
When it comes to side effects, both amlodipine and nifedipine can cause side effects like headache, flushing, and dizziness. However, nifedipine is known to cause more side effects related to low blood pressure compared to amlodipine. It's also worth noting that both medications can interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
While amlodipine and nifedipine are both effective in treating certain cardiovascular conditions, they are not interchangeable. The choice between amlodipine and nifedipine will depend on the specific condition being treated, as well as the patient's individual needs and medical history. Your doctor will help determine which medication is right for you.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Side Effects
Headache, flushing, dizziness
Headache, flushing, dizziness, more low blood pressure related side effects
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Amlodipine and Nifedipine Definitions
Amlodipine
A type of calcium channel blocker that relaxes heart and blood vessel muscles.
Amlodipine helps improve blood flow and reduce chest pain.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
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Nifedipine
A type of calcium channel blocker that relaxes heart and blood vessel muscles.
Nifedipine helps improve blood flow and reduce chest pain.
Huma Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Amlodipine
A drug with a long duration of action, typically taken once a day.
He takes amlodipine every morning as part of his routine.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Nifedipine
A medication used to treat angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, and preterm labor.
The doctor prescribed nifedipine for her angina.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
Amlodipine
A medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
The doctor prescribed amlodipine for her hypertension.
Huma Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Nifedipine
A drug with a shorter duration of action, typically taken three to four times a day.
He takes nifedipine three times a day to manage his symptoms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
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Amlodipine
A drug that can interact with other medications.
Make sure to inform your doctor of all the medications you're taking, as amlodipine can have interactions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Nifedipine
A medication that can cause side effects like headache, flushing, dizziness, and low blood pressure related symptoms.
She experienced dizziness after taking nifedipine, which is a common side effect.
Harlon Moss
Oct 30, 2023
Amlodipine
A medication that can cause side effects like headache, flushing, and dizziness.
She experienced flushing after taking amlodipine but it subsided with time.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
Nifedipine
A drug that can interact with other medications.
Make sure to inform your doctor of all the medications you're taking, as nifedipine can have interactions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 30, 2023
Nifedipine
A calcium channel blocker drug, C17H18N2O6, that acts as a coronary vasodilator and is used primarily to treat hypertension and angina pectoris.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 12, 2019
Nifedipine
(pharmaceutical drug) A synthetic compound which acts as a calcium antagonist and is used as a coronary vasodilator in the treatment of cardiac and circulatory disorders.
Sumera Saeed
Jun 12, 2019
Nifedipine
Calcium blocker (trade name Procardia); appears to increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks
Sumera Saeed
Jun 12, 2019
FAQs
How does nifedipine work?
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Janet White
Oct 30, 2023
How does amlodipine work?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
What is nifedipine?
A medication used to treat angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, and preterm labor.
Huma Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Can amlodipine interact with other medications?
Yes, amlodipine can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor of all the drugs you are taking.
Janet White
Oct 30, 2023
How often should amlodipine be taken?
Amlodipine is typically taken once a day.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
What are the common side effects of nifedipine?
Common side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, and low blood pressure related symptoms.
Janet White
Oct 30, 2023
Can nifedipine be used to treat hypertension?
Yes, nifedipine can be used to treat hypertension.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
What are the common side effects of amlodipine?
Common side effects include headache, flushing, and dizziness.
Harlon Moss
Oct 30, 2023
What conditions can be treated with amlodipine?
Amlodipine can be used to treat hypertension and angina.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
Can amlodipine be used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon?
Amlodipine can sometimes be used off-label to treat Raynaud's phenomenon.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Is amlodipine safe during pregnancy?
The safety of amlodipine during pregnancy is not well-established, and it should be used with caution.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
Is nifedipine safe during pregnancy?
Nifedipine is sometimes used to treat preterm labor, but its safety during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Janet White
Oct 30, 2023
Can amlodipine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of amlodipine, but it can occur in some people.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
How often should nifedipine be taken?
Nifedipine is typically taken three to four times a day.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
What conditions can be treated with nifedipine?
Nifedipine can be used to treat angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, and preterm labor.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
What is the duration of action of nifedipine?
Nifedipine has a shorter duration of action and may need to be taken three to four times a day.
Harlon Moss
Oct 30, 2023
Can nifedipine interact with other medications?
Yes, nifedipine can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor of all the drugs you are taking.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 30, 2023
What is the duration of action of amlodipine?
Amlodipine has a long duration of action and is typically taken once a day.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 30, 2023
Can nifedipine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of nifedipine, but it can occur in some people.
Sara Rehman
Oct 30, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
