What is nitrendipine?
Nitrendipin is a calcium channel blocker of dihydropyridine type which is particularly well studied for the treatment of isolated systolic hypertension in older patients. The Syst-Eur study has shown that Nitrendipin can reduce strokes by 42% and dementia by 50%.
Nitrendipin is taken twice a day and is available as a generic and under the brand name Bayotensin®. It has an average half-life and acts predominantly on the vascular muscle.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Nitrendipin
Nitrendipin blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular muscle:
Active mechanism:
- Blocks calcium inflow into smooth vascular muscle cells
- Arteries and arteries expand
- Peripheral vascular resistance drops
- Blood pressure drops – especially the systolic value
Special features:
- High vascular selectivity
- Low influence of the heart
- Average half-life (8-12 hours)
- Two daily intake
Clinical meaning:
- strokes reduced by 42%
- dementia reduced by 50%
- Cardiovascular events reduced by 31%
Initiation of action: After 1-2 hours. Maximum effect after 1-2 weeks of regular intake.
Who is it suitable for?
Nitrendipin is suitable for:
- Adults with high blood pressure
- Especially: Isolated systolic hypertension in older patients
Especially recommended at:
- Older patients (over 60 years) with increased systolic blood pressure
- If stroke prevention is at the forefront
- In combination with other blood pressure
Not suitable:
- unstable angina pectoris
- Acute heart attack (first 4 weeks)
- Heavy heart failure
- Heavy aortic stenosis
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Available Dosages
High blood pressure:
- start dose: 10 mg once or twice a day
- usual dose: 10-20 mg twice a day
- Maximum dose: 20 mg twice a day (40 mg/day)
Older patients:
- start dose: 5-10 mg once a day
- Slow increase
Available starches:
- 10 mg, 20 mg tablets
How to Take
Intake:
- One to twice a day (morning and evening)
- Independent meals
- With sufficient water
- Avoid grapefruit juice
**
- Regular blood pressure controls
- Headaches and flush can occur at the beginning – usually improve
- In case of severe facial redness doctor inform
- Do not drop abruptly (medical consultation)
Contraindications
**Nitrendipin must not be taken at:* *
- Sensitivity to Nitrendipin or other dihydropyridines
- unstable angina pectoris
- Acute heart attack (first 4 weeks)
- Heavy heart failure
- Heavy aortic stenosis
- Cardiogenic shock
Preview at:
- Liver insufficiency (reduced degradation)
- Tachycardia (reflective heart rate increase)
- Heavy kidney failure
pregnant: Contraindicated. Not sufficiently studied during pregnancy.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Headaches
- Face redness (Flush)
- Squeeze
- Heart palp
- Ankle edema
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- fatigue
- Tachycardia
- Skin rash
Selten:
- Gum growth (Gingivahyperplasia)
- liver value increases
- Allergic reactions
- Chest pain
- Paresthesia
** Flush and headaches are common at the beginning of therapy, but usually improve after 1-2 weeks. In case of persistent complaints, consult doctor.
Interactions
Preview at:
- Grapefruit juice → increased Nitrendipin level (CYP3A4 inhibition)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin) → enhanced action
- CYP3A4 inductors (Rifampicin, Phenytoin) → reduced effect
- Other blood pressure counter → increased hypotension
- Digoxin → light mirror increase possible
- Cimetidine → increased Nitrendipin levels
Combinable with:
- ACE inhibitors and sartans
- Beta-blockers (prevented reflextachycardia)
- Diuretics
Alcohol: Strengthens blood pressure-lowering effect. Be careful with simultaneous consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is nitrendipine right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.