Adalat is a brand-name medication that contains nifedipine as its active ingredient. Nifedipine belongs to the class of calcium-channel blockers and is used to manage conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. In Hong Kong, Adalat is available only with a prescription and is supplied as oral pill tablets in the strengths 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. The medication is regulated by the Hong Kong Department of Health and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
Nifedipine blocks L-type calcium channels on the smooth muscle cells that line blood vessels. By preventing calcium from entering these cells, the drug causes the vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation). This lowers the resistance that the heart must pump against, reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart muscle. The effect typically begins within 30 minutes after taking an immediate-release tablet, peaks around 2-3 hours, and can last for 4-6 hours.
Adalat is approved in Hong Kong for the following indications:
These uses are supported by regulatory evaluation and clinical guideline recommendations for calcium-channel blockers.
Patients with any of the above conditions should discuss alternatives with their healthcare provider.
Standard dosing for hypertension
Start with 10 mg taken three times daily (e.g., morning, midday, evening).
If blood pressure is not adequately controlled after 1-2 weeks, the dose may be increased to 20 mg three times daily, or to 30 mg three times daily, based on the prescriber’s judgment.
The maximum recommended daily dose is 90 mg (30 mg taken three times daily).
Standard dosing for chronic stable angina
Typically 20 mg taken three times daily; can be increased to 30 mg three times daily if needed and tolerated.
Administration tips
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split extended-release formulations (Adalat is an immediate-release pill).
Tablets can be taken with or without food; consistent timing helps maintain stable blood levels.
If you miss a dose and it is less than 6 hours until the next scheduled dose, take the missed dose. If it is longer, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, rapid or slow heart rate, and very low blood pressure. Seek emergency medical care immediately. Activated charcoal may be considered if the overdose is recent; definitive treatment focuses on supportive care and blood-pressure support.
Discontinuation
Do not stop abruptly without medical advice, especially if you have been on a high dose for an extended period. A gradual taper may be recommended to avoid rebound hypertension.
Regular follow-up appointments allow dose adjustments and early detection of adverse effects.
This article provides educational information about Adalat and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including the use of any medication for unapproved indications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. The content is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical recommendations. Always consult a physician before starting, stopping, or changing any medication regimen.
Adalat may be combined with other antihypertensives such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta-blockers, but dose adjustments are often required to prevent excessive blood-pressure reduction. Your prescriber will tailor the regimen based on your current readings and overall health status.
Peripheral edema is a known side effect. If swelling becomes noticeable, painful, or interferes with daily activities, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may reduce the dose, switch to a different calcium-channel blocker, or add a diuretic to manage fluid retention.
Yes, but keep the medication in its original packaging with the prescription label visible. Carry a copy of the prescription and a brief note explaining the drug’s purpose in case customs officials inquire. Avoid storing tablets in extreme heat, such as in an unshielded luggage compartment.
Grapefruit juice inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme that metabolizes nifedipine, leading to higher blood levels and an increased risk of low blood pressure, dizziness, and flushing. It is best to limit or avoid grapefruit products while taking Adalat.
Nifedipine crosses the placenta and is classified as a pregnancy category C drug. It should be used only when the potential benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus, and only under close medical supervision.
Symptoms may include profound dizziness, fainting, rapid or very slow heart rate, severe low blood pressure, and possible chest pain. If any of these occur, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Consistent timing helps maintain stable drug levels and improves blood-pressure control. Taking the doses at roughly the same intervals (e.g., morning, midday, evening) is recommended.
The vasodilatory action that widens blood vessels can also increase blood flow to the brain, leading to a transient headache. Over time, many patients find the headache diminishes as the body adjusts.
Yes. Immediate-release tablets (such as Adalat) act quickly and are taken multiple times per day, whereas extended-release formulations provide a slower, steadier release and are usually taken once daily. The dosing schedule, side-effect profile, and monitoring may differ between the two types.
While calcium-channel blockers are sometimes prescribed off-label for Raynaud’s, this indication is not approved in Hong Kong for Adalat. Use for this purpose should only be considered under specialist guidance and after evaluating the evidence base.
