Definition

1. Noun:
   • A calcium channel blocker drug: Nifedipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed nifedipine to manage her hypertension.
  • Patients taking nifedipine should avoid grapefruit juice as it can increase the drug's effects.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical context: Nifedipine is often discussed in medical literature regarding its efficacy and potential side effects.
  • The study compared the long-term outcomes of patients treated with nifedipine versus other antihypertensive agents.

Variants and Related Words

• Procardia: A common trade name for nifedipine.
  • Procardia is often prescribed for angina.

Synonyms

• Calcium antagonist: Another term for a calcium channel blocker.
• Antihypertensive agent: A general term for blood pressure-lowering medication.

Related Phrases

• Nifedipine therapy: Refers to a treatment regimen using this drug.
  • The patient was started on nifedipine therapy.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. calcium blocker (trade name Procardia); appears to increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks