Adalat capsules contain the active ingredient Adalat, which is a type of drug called a calcium channel blocker. This type of drug acts on the heart and blood vessels. Adalat is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug.
Adalat works by slowing the movement of calcium through the muscle cells that are found in the walls of blood vessels. It does this by blocking 'calcium channels' in these muscle cells. Calcium is needed by muscle cells in order for them to contract, so by depriving them of calcium, Adalat causes the muscle cells to relax.
Adalat acts specifically on the muscle cells in the walls of arteries, causing them to relax. This allows the arteries in the body to widen, an effect that has two main uses.
The relaxing and widening of the small arteries in the body decreases the resistance that the heart has to push against in order to pump the blood around the body. This reduces the pressure within the blood vessels. Adalat can therefore be used to lower high blood pressure.
The widening effect on the small arteries and the arteries in the heart also improves the blood and therefore oxygen supply to the heart. This feature means Adalat can be used in the management of angina. The chest pain of angina is caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. As Adalat improves this oxygen supply, and also reduces the effort the heart has to make to pump blood, can be used to prevent angina attacks.
Adalat is also used to treat a circulatory disorder called Raynaud's phenomenon. In this condition the blood vessels in the hands go into spasm and contract excessively when the hands are cold. This causes the hands to go white, numb and painful. Adalat relaxes the peripheral arteries in the hands, causing them to widen and the blood circulation to the fingers to improve.
Adalat may be given in a form that has an effect as soon as the drug is taken and then tapers off, or in a form that releases the drug slowly over the day. Adalat capsules are a short-acting form of Adalat.
Short-acting forms of Adalat such as Adalat capsules are usually only used to relieve the symptoms of Raynaud's. They may also be given in single doses to control high blood pressure, but are not recommended for the long-term treatment of high blood pressure or angina. This is because short-acting Adalat can cause large variations in blood pressure and a reflex increase in heart rate. Long-acting forms of Adalat are preferred for these conditions, because the steady release of the drug doesn't cause this problem.
Why is this drug prescribed?
- prevention of angina attacks.;
- high blood pressure;
- condition called raynaud's phenomenon in which the blood vessels in the hands go into spasm when the hands are cold causing white numb and painful hands and fingers;
Adalat and Adalat XL are used to treat angina. Adalat XL is also used to treat high blood pressure. Adalat and Adalat XL are calcium channel blockers. They ease the workload of the heart by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the arteries, allowing them to dilate. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, and helps prevent angina. Adalat XL is taken once a day and provides a steady rate of medication over a 24-hour period.
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Adalat XL regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Adalat XL; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Adalat XL does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
Adalat and Adalat XL should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.
Adalat XL tablets are specially designed to release the medication into your bloodstream slowly. As a result, something that looks like a tablet may occasionally appear in your stool. This is normal and simply means that the medication has been released, and the shell that contained the medication has been eliminated from your body.
Adalat and Adalat XL tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew.
Adalat and Adalat XL can be taken with or without food. Adalat CC should be taken on an empty stomach.
Do not substitute another brand of Adalat for Adalat or Adalat XL unless your doctor directs.
Adalat XL should be taken once a day. You can take it in the morning or evening, but should hold to the same time each day.
- wheezing;
- tremors;
- swelling of arms;
- sore throat;
- nausea;
- nasal congestion;
- muscle cramps;
- mood changes;
- light-headedness;
- legs;
- heat sensation;
- heartburn;
- headache;
- hands;
- giddiness;
- flushing;
- feet;
- fatigue;
- dizziness;
- cough;
- visual disturbances;
- tiredness;
- swollen ankles caused by fluid retention;
- skin reactions such as rash sweating or itching;
- shaking usually of the hands;
- pins and needles sensations;
- pain in the muscles;
- increased need to pass urine;
- increased heart rate;
- impotence;
- headache;
- flushing;
- enlargement of the gums;
- dizziness;
- disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea constipation nausea vomiting indigestion or abdominal pain;
- depression;
- awareness of your heart beat;
- abnormal enlargement of breasts in men;
- constipation;
ADULTS
The usual starting dose of Adalat and Adalat is one 10-mg capsule, 3 times a day. The usual range is 10 to 20 mg 3 times a day. Some people may need 20 to 30 mg, 3 or 4 times a day. Usually you will not take more than 120 mg in a day and should take no more than 180 mg.
The starting dose of Adalat XL and Adalat CC is usually a 30- or 60-mg tablet, taken once daily. Your doctor may increase the dose over 1 to 2 weeks if not satisfied with the way the drug is working. Doses above 120 mg per day are not recommended.
Although no serious side effects have been reported when Adalat XL is stopped, your doctor will probably have you lower the dose gradually under close supervision.
