Amlodipine vs. Nifedipine: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Duration of Action
Longer
Shorter
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Common Uses
Hypertension, angina
Angina, preterm labor, Raynaud's phenomenon
Dosing Frequency
Once a day
Three to four times a day
Side Effects
Headache, flushing, dizziness
Headache, flushing, dizziness, more low blood pressure related side effects
Interactions
Can interact with other drugs
Can interact with other drugs
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.
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Nifedipine
A medication used to treat angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, and preterm labor.
The doctor prescribed nifedipine for her angina.
Amlodipine
A drug with a long duration of action, typically taken once a day.
He takes amlodipine every morning as part of his routine.
Nifedipine
A type of calcium channel blocker that relaxes heart and blood vessel muscles.
Nifedipine helps improve blood flow and reduce chest pain.
Amlodipine
A medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
The doctor prescribed amlodipine for her hypertension.
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.
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.
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.
Amlodipine
A medication that can cause side effects like headache, flushing, and dizziness.
She experienced flushing after taking amlodipine but it subsided with time.
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.
Nifedipine
A calcium channel blocker drug, C17H18N2O6, that acts as a coronary vasodilator and is used primarily to treat hypertension and angina pectoris.
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.
Nifedipine
Calcium blocker (trade name Procardia); appears to increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks
FAQs
What is amlodipine?
A medication used to treat hypertension and angina.
How does nifedipine work?
Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
How does amlodipine work?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
What is nifedipine?
A medication used to treat angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, and preterm labor.
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.
How often should amlodipine be taken?
Amlodipine is typically taken once a day.
What are the common side effects of nifedipine?
Common side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, and low blood pressure related symptoms.
Can nifedipine be used to treat hypertension?
Yes, nifedipine can be used to treat hypertension.
What are the common side effects of amlodipine?
Common side effects include headache, flushing, and dizziness.
What conditions can be treated with amlodipine?
Amlodipine can be used to treat hypertension and angina.
Can amlodipine be used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon?
Amlodipine can sometimes be used off-label to treat Raynaud's phenomenon.
Is amlodipine safe during pregnancy?
The safety of amlodipine during pregnancy is not well-established, and it should be used with caution.
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.
Can amlodipine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of amlodipine, but it can occur in some people.
How often should nifedipine be taken?
Nifedipine is typically taken three to four times a day.
What conditions can be treated with nifedipine?
Nifedipine can be used to treat angina, Raynaud's phenomenon, and preterm labor.
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.
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.
What is the duration of action of amlodipine?
Amlodipine has a long duration of action and is typically taken once a day.
Can nifedipine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of nifedipine, but it can occur in some people.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
