Amlodipine vs. Nifedipine

Main Difference

The main difference between Amlodipine and Nifedipine is that Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker while Nifedipine is relatively short-acting calcium channel blocker.

Difference Between Amlodipine and Nifedipine

Comparison Chart

Amlodipine vs. Nifedipine

Amlodipine is a 3^rd generation calcium channel antagonist while Nifedipine is 1st generation calcium channel antagonist. Amlodipine is a long-acting drug. On the other hand, Nifedipine is a relatively short-acting drug. Amlodipine use in pregnancy is not contraindicated while Nifedipine uses in pregnancy is contraindicated. Amlodipine is slightly soluble in water while Nifedipine is insoluble in water. Amlodipine overdose causes shock and hypotension, while Nifedipine overdose causes difficulty in breathing. Amlodipine use is associated with bad dental health, and Nifedipine use is not associated with dental problems.What is Amlodipine?

Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker and is used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Amlodipine is white crystalline powder. Amlodipine is slightly soluble in water and sparingly soluble in ethanol. Amlodipine selectively blocks the calcium ion influx across the cell membrane. Amlodipine shows inhibitory effect on calcium influx in smooth muscle cells, which leads to inhibit contraction. Amlodipine is taken through the mouth, and its therapeutic effect remains at least for one day. Amlodipine is taken alone or in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Amlodipine can be given to both children and adults. Amlodipine, along with other calcium channel blockers is a good choice to avoid stroke than any other group of blood pressure lowering drug. Amlodipine and all other calcium channel blocking drugs are ist line treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome. Amlodipine causes adverse effects like palpitation, peripheral edema, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, abdominal pain, and somnolence. Amlodipine-associated gingival overgrowth is commonly seen after exposure to amlodipine, and it leads to bad dental health and accumulation of dental plaque. Amlodipine overdose causes widening of blood vessels and fast heart rate.

Example

Examples of famous brands containing Amlodipine are Norvasc, Amturnide, etc.

What is Nifedipine?

Nifedipine is short-acting calcium channel blocker and is used to treat Angina, high blood pressure, Raynaud’s phenomena, and premature labor as a tocolytic agent. Nifedipine also used to treat prinzmetal angina. Nifedipine blocks the calcium channels, both L-type calcium channels and voltage-dependent calcium channels. Amphetamines. Nifedipine relaxes the blood vessels allowing the blood to flow more easily. Nifedipine is taken through orally and one to three times depending upon the condition of the patient. Nifedipine also acts as the antimineralocorticoid. Nifedipine finds its use in high altitude pulmonary edema. Nifedipine as Nifedipine sulfate is used topically to treat anal fissures. Nifedipine when lowers the blood pressure, it causes some side effects like dizziness and fainting after the first few doses. Nifedipine also causes a high heart rate. Nifedipine shows its adverse effects less in sustained release dosage forms. Nifedipine is not taken with grapefruit juices as they raise the blood levels of the Nifedipine and result in more frequent adverse effects. Nifedipine overdose causes acute toxicity having symptoms like low heart rate, hypotension, lethargy, and complete loss of consciousness. Nifedipine when given sublingually it is used in hypertensive emergencies.

Example

Common brands that contain Nifedipine are Adalat, Procardia.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the above discussion is that both Amlodipine and Nifedipine are calcium channel blockers and used for the treatment of high blood pressure and angina with slight differences in their side effects and contraindications.