Nifedipine
Modified-release nifedipine 10–20 mg orally for severe hypertension in pregnancy. Never sublingual.
On this page
Dose
| Situation | Dose |
|---|---|
| Severe hypertension in pregnancy | 10–20 mg modified-release orally, repeat after 30–60 minutes if needed |
| Maintenance | 10–40 mg modified-release twice daily |
Cautions
- Never sublingual or capsule-bitten: sudden BP drop, stroke, MI, fetal distress.
- Headache, flushing, ankle swelling.
Frequently asked questions
Why is sublingual nifedipine dangerous?
It causes a rapid, unpredictable drop in BP that can cause stroke, heart attack and kidney injury.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Nifedipine is covered in our textbook chapter Antihypertensives in pregnancy, with practice MCQs.