Nifedipine (Adalat) Side Effects in Pakistan

Nifedipine (Adalat) side effects — a complete guide. From common effects to serious warnings — everything you need to know is on this page.

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

Side Effects

Quick Answer

Common side effects of Nifedipine (Adalat) include flushing (facial redness), headache, dizziness, leg swelling, and palpitations. Serious effects include severe hypotension and reflex tachycardia. See a doctor immediately for severe dizziness, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat.

Side Effects at a Glance

Common

Flushing (chehra lal hona / garam lagna)
Headache (sar dard)
Dizziness (chakkar aana)
Peripheral oedema
Palpitations

Serious — See a Doctor

Severe hypotension
Reflex tachycardia
Worsening angina

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Severe dizziness or fainting
Chest pain or worsening angina
Severe swelling — severe swelling in feet, ankles or hands
Rapid heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of face, lips, or tongue (allergic reaction)

Nifedipine (Adalat) Side Effects (Nuksanat)

Nifedipine (Adalat) is a cardiovascular medicine. When taken at the correct dose it is generally safe, but side effects can occur. This guide covers common, uncommon, and serious side effects.

Common Side Effects (Aam Nuksanat)

Flushing (facial redness / warmth) — due to vasodilation
Headache
Dizziness — due to BP drop
Peripheral oedema
Palpitations

These side effects are generally mild and tend to settle with treatment. If they persist or worsen, inform your doctor.

Uncommon Side Effects (Ghair Aam Nuksanat)

Nausea (metli)
Fatigue (thakan / kamzori)
Gingival hyperplasia

Serious Side Effects (Sanjeedah Nuksanat)

Severe hypotension — see a doctor immediately
Reflex tachycardia — see a doctor immediately
Worsening angina — see a doctor immediately

When to See a Doctor (Kab Doctor Se Milna Zaroori Hai)

Contact emergency services immediately if:

Severe dizziness or fainting
Chest pain or worsening angina
Severe swelling
Rapid heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of face, lips, or tongue

Warnings Specific to Nifedipine (Khaas Ihtiyat)

Hypotension risk: Blood pressure may drop significantly after taking Nifedipine.
Reflex tachycardia: Heart rate may increase — doctor will monitor
Extended-release tablets: Never crush or chew — releasing the dose all at once can cause serious harm
Grapefruit juice: Can raise Nifedipine levels to dangerous levels — avoid

Side Effects Summary Table

Type	Side Effect	Action
Common	Flushing (facial redness)	Monitor, inform doctor if persistent
Common	Headache	Monitor, inform doctor if severe
Common	Dizziness	Rise slowly, inform doctor
Common	Leg swelling	Inform doctor if significant
Common	Palpitations	Inform doctor
Serious	Severe hypotension	Immediate doctor / emergency
Serious	Reflex tachycardia	Immediate doctor / emergency
Serious	Worsening angina	Immediate doctor / emergency

Reporting Side Effects (Side Effects Report Karna)

If you notice any unexpected side effect, report it on the DRAP pharmacovigilance portal: https://www.dra.gov.pk/pharmacovigilance

The information in this guide is for educational purposes only. If you notice any side effect, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nifedipine ke side effects kya hain?

Common side effects include flushing (facial redness), headache, dizziness, leg swelling, and palpitations. Serious effects include severe hypotension and reflex tachycardia. See a doctor immediately for any serious symptom.

Nifedipine se paaon mein sujan kyun aati hai?

Nifedipine dilates blood vessels which can sometimes cause fluid accumulation (peripheral oedema) in the legs and ankles. Inform your doctor if the swelling is significant.

Kya nifedipine se chehra lal hona normal hai?

Yes, flushing is a common side effect, especially at the start. It usually resolves on its own. If it persists, inform your doctor.

Nifedipine se BP zyada gir jaye to kya karein?

If severe dizziness, fainting, or a very significant BP drop occurs, lie down immediately and contact emergency services. This can be a cardiovascular emergency.

Kya nifedipine se dil ki dharkhan tez hoti hai?

Yes, reflex tachycardia is a known serious side effect — the heart rate increases in response to BP dropping. Inform your doctor immediately if this is felt.

Brand alternatives, same-class options, and other medicines used for the same conditions as Adalat Tablet (Nifedipine).

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Used for the same conditions

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Headache hub →

Sources

DRAP Registered Products Database — Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 23rd ed. (2023) — World Health Organization
British National Formulary (BNF) — BMJ Group & Pharmaceutical Press

Medical disclaimer

This page is for educational use only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always confirm diagnosis, dose, and interactions with a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medicine.