Nicardia Retard (Nifedipine Extended release Tablet) is used for the prophylaxis of chronic stable angina pectoris and the treatment of hypertension. It comes in two doses Nicardia Retard 10mg and Nicardia Retard 20mg. It is Manufactured by J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Nifedipine is a specific and potent calcium antagonist of the 1, 4-dihydropyridine type. Calcium antagonists reduce the transmembranal influx of calcium ions through the slow calcium channel into the cell.
Nifedipine acts particularly on the cells of the myocardium and the smooth muscle cells of the coronary arteries and the peripheral resistance vessels. In hypertension, the main action of Nifedipine retard is to cause peripheral vasodilatation and thus reduce peripheral resistance. In angina, Nifedipine retard reduces peripheral and coronary vascular resistance, leading to an increase in coronary blood flow, cardiac output and stroke volume, whilst decreasing after-load. Additionally, nifedipine dilates submaximally both clear and atherosclerotic coronary arteries, thus protecting the heart against coronary artery spasm and improving perfusion to the ischaemic myocardium.
Nifedipine reduces the frequency of painful attacks and the ischaemic ECG changes irrespective of the relative contribution from coronary artery spasm or atherosclerosis. After oral administration nifedipine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed, for further information (See product Leaflet).