Nefin 20 SR Tablet is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent angina (heart-related chest pain). It belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart. This helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Nefin 20 SR Tablet may be prescribed alone or along with other medicines. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to treat your condition. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on how you respond to this medicine and your blood pressure levels. You can take it at any time of the day, with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day. Take this medicine as soon as you have taken it out of the packet. It is sensitive to light and may not work properly if it is left out of the pack for too long.
Keep taking it for as long as advised by your doctor. Even if you feel well, do not stop this medicine on your own because high blood pressure often has no symptoms. If you stop taking it, your condition may get worse. Keeping active with regular exercise, reducing your weight, and eating a healthy diet will also help control your blood pressure. Follow your doctor’s advice while taking this medicine.
The most common side effects include fatigue, edema (swelling), dizziness, unusual heartbeat (palpitations), flushing, constipation, and headache. Consult your doctor if any of these bother you, or do not go away.
Before taking it, let your doctor know if you have any heart, liver, or kidney problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor for advice before taking this medicine. You also need to tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking, especially those used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions. Avoid excessive alcohol intake while taking this medicine as it can significantly decrease your blood pressure and make you feel dizzy or light-headed. You should have your blood pressure checked regularly to make sure that this medicine is working properly.
Nefin 20 SR Tablet helps lower your blood pressure and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This reduces the chances of you having a heart attack. It can also reduce the risk of dying if it is given immediately after a heart attack. This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective, so keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.
In Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Nefin 20 SR Tablet works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, or kidney problems in the future. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well. Take regularly, as prescribed for this medicine to be most effective, even if you feel better.
In Prevention of Stroke
Nefin 20 SR Tablet reduces the risk of future strokes. It helps lower your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This reduces the chances of you having a stroke. Take it as advised by the doctor to get the maximum benefit.
Side effects of Nefin Tablet SR
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Nefin
Dizziness
Fatigue
Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
Headache
Peripheral edema
How to use Nefin Tablet SR
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nefin 20 SR Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Nefin Tablet SR works
Nefin 20 SR Tablet is a calcium channel blocker. In high blood pressure, it normalizes the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels to reduce the pressure on them, thereby improving the blood flow in the body. The enhanced blood flow in the body further relaxes the heart muscles by reducing the workload on the heart. It also improves the oxygen flow to the heart, thereby, preventing any heart-related chest pain.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Nefin 20 SR Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nefin 20 SR Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Nefin 20 SR Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
Driving
CAUTION
Nefin 20 SR Tablet may cause dizziness or weakness due to low blood pressure. Do not drive if these symptoms occur. Nefin 20 SR Tablet may make you feel dizzy, faint, extremely tired or have visual disturbances. This may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Nefin 20 SR Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Nefin 20 SR Tablet is recommended. However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
Liver
CAUTION
Nefin 20 SR Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Nefin 20 SR Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Nefin Tablet SR?
If you miss a dose of Nefin 20 SR Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.\n
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
A sudden drop in your blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Nefin 20 SR Tablet. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
It can cause ankle or foot swelling. To reduce the swelling, raise your legs while you are sitting down. Talk to your doctor if it does not go away.
It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how Nefin 20 SR Tablet affects you.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Dihydropyridinecarboxylic derivatives
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
CARDIAC
Action Class
Calcium Channel Blockers- Dihydropyridines (DHP)
Interaction with drugs
Taking Nefin with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Aprepitant may raise blood levels of Nifedipine.
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No, Nefin 20 SR Tablet is not a diuretic medication. However, some evidence indicates that Nefin 20 SR Tablet has a partial diuretic property which may result in increased sodium loss through urine. It is a medication which relaxes the blood vessels by directly acting on them. This helps to decrease the blood pressure of the individual. As a result, blood flows more easily and lowers blood pressure, which helps to reduce the strain or pressure on your heart.
Is Nefin 20 SR Tablet bad for kidneys?
No, Nefin 20 SR Tablet is not bad for kidneys. In few research studies, taking Nefin 20 SR Tablet in recommended doses has in fact been shown to be beneficial for the kidneys. It is not advised to use this medicine without consulting the doctor. It should be used exactly as prescribed.
Can Nefin 20 SR Tablet cause liver damage?
Yes,Nefin 20 SR Tablet can cause liver damage in some cases, but this is very rare. However, some people may develop a rise in liver enzymes after taking Nefin 20 SR Tablet. Let your doctor know if you notice any such changes in your recent lab tests. Do not start this medication without consulting your doctor and do inform him if you have any history of liver disease or liver damage. This is because, in case of liver damage, dose adjustment may be required.
Does Nefin 20 SR Tablet affect blood sugar?
No, Nefin 20 SR Tablet does not cause any change in blood sugar levels. It has been observed that Nefin 20 SR Tablet has no effect on the release of insulin or change in blood sugar levels. However, before starting the medicine, inform the doctor if you are diabetic. This is done because the medicine for blood pressure is suggested accordingly when a patient is diabetic.
Can Nefin 20 SR Tablet be used in pregnancy and nursing mothers?
It is advised that you should consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. It should be used only if prescribed by the doctor in case of pregnancy. Studies have shown significant risks to the developing baby and it is given only if the benefits are clearly more than the risks involved.
Does Nefin 20 SR Tablet cause palpitations?
Yes. Nefin 20 SR Tablet can cause palpitations as a side effect. However, this is usually not bothersome and resolves as you continue with the treatment. If the symptom persists for long, consult the doctor who will suggest the ways to prevent it.
Do I need to change my diet while taking Nefin 20 SR Tablet?
Yes, making small changes to your diet can help your medicine work better. You must take a low sodium and low-fat diet, and adhere to the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor. You should also avoid eating grapefruit (chakotra) or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nefin 20 SR Tablet.
My blood pressure is now controlled. Can I stop taking Nefin 20 SR Tablet now?
No, do not stop taking it on your own as it may worsen your condition. You should take Nefin 20 SR Tablet in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor for any query or dose modification.
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References
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Opie LH. Calcium Channel Blockers. In: Opie LH, Gersh BJ, editors. Drugs for the Heart. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Elsevier Saunders; 2013. pp. 84-86.
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 978-79.
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