Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Nifedipine

Summary Nifedipine, the prototype for the dihydropyridine class of calcium antagonists, has been available for 20 years and its efficacy as a vasodilator and an antihypertensive agent is well recognised. The development of the so-called nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS), which allows once-daily administration, has modified and improved the overall therapeutic profile of nifedipine to such a significant extent that it might almost be considered a new drug entity. The nifedipine GITS is associated with distinct improvements in terms of patient compliance and convenience, and a reduced incidence of adverse effects. With regard to the care of the elderly, this ‘new’ drug offers the prospect of a well tolerated and effective treatment without major cost implications.