Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blocker | Form: Extended-Release Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Anifed Retard Tablet? Anifed Retard contains Nifedipine 20mg in a slow-release (retard) formulation. This means the medicine is released gradually into the body over several hours — keeping blood pressure stable throughout the day with a single or twice-daily dose. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class and is used under doctor supervision for long-term management of high blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر) and chest pain (سینے کا درد).
What is Anifed Retard Used For?
- Hypertension — high blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر)
- Chronic stable angina — ongoing chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart (سینے کا درد)
How Does it Work? Nifedipine blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells of blood vessel walls. This causes blood vessels to relax and widen — reducing the pressure the heart works against and improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always take exactly as prescribed. Never crush or chew this tablet — swallow whole.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | 20mg | Once or twice daily |
| Stable Angina | 20mg | Once or twice daily |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Nifedipine | 20mg |
Who Should NOT Take Anifed Retard?
- Allergy to Nifedipine or other calcium channel blockers
- Cardiogenic shock or unstable angina
- Within 4 weeks of a heart attack
- Severe low blood pressure (بہت کم بلڈ پریشر)
- Pregnancy — particularly first trimester (consult doctor)
Side Effects
Common: Headache, facial flushing (گرمی محسوس ہونا), ankle swelling, dizziness, fast heartbeat.
Serious — Stop and seek medical help immediately: Severe chest pain worsening after starting the tablet, sudden severe drop in blood pressure, yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان), significant swelling of face or legs.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Beta-blockers | Increased risk of low blood pressure and heart problems |
| Digoxin | Nifedipine may increase Digoxin levels |
| Rifampicin / Antiepileptics | Reduce Nifedipine effectiveness significantly |
| Grapefruit juice | Increases Nifedipine blood levels — avoid completely |
| Other antihypertensives | Additive blood pressure lowering effect |
Storage: Store below 25°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Why must I swallow Anifed Retard whole without chewing? Crushing or chewing destroys the slow-release mechanism, releasing the full dose at once and causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Always swallow whole with water.
Q: Can I stop Anifed Retard if my blood pressure feels normal? No — stopping suddenly can cause rebound high blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before stopping or changing your dose.
Q: Is grapefruit safe to eat while taking this tablet? No — grapefruit and grapefruit juice increase the amount of Nifedipine absorbed into your blood, which can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Avoid completely.