HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Nifedipine Tablet Cause Headache And Palpitations?

I took nifedipine before going to bed for high blood pressure which was 134/86 i woke up with a headache and palpitation. i drank some water and the palpitation stop, but i still have a little headache. my first time taking the pill. should i discontinue and consult my doctor?
Mon, 25 May 2015
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear user!
Thank you for asking us on HCM!

Yes, one of the most known of nifedipine side effects is Headache. Palpitations may happen too but they are rarer.
This is due to enlargement of blood vessels from the nifedipine effect. As a result more blood would go the head blood vessels causing headache, dizziness, tremors etc.

If you can't tolerate nifedipine due to these side effects you shouldn't use it to control high blood pressure. There are much more drugs that can be used.
Blood pressure of 134/86 is not a quite high BP. If you are living for a while of time with these levels of BP, I would recommend you conservative way of treatment more than therapeutic one.

Try to reduce salt in your diet!
Avoid or reduce fats in your diet!
Do light physical activity every day for at least 40 mins a day.

If you blood pressure continues to be high despite these measures, then consult your doctor to adjust the proper cure and lifestyle.

I hope you'll be fine soon.
All the best!
DR ERIOL
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Can Nifedipine Tablet Cause Headache And Palpitations?

Hello dear user! Thank you for asking us on HCM! Yes, one of the most known of nifedipine side effects is Headache. Palpitations may happen too but they are rarer. This is due to enlargement of blood vessels from the nifedipine effect. As a result more blood would go the head blood vessels causing headache, dizziness, tremors etc. If you can t tolerate nifedipine due to these side effects you shouldn t use it to control high blood pressure. There are much more drugs that can be used. Blood pressure of 134/86 is not a quite high BP. If you are living for a while of time with these levels of BP, I would recommend you conservative way of treatment more than therapeutic one. Try to reduce salt in your diet! Avoid or reduce fats in your diet! Do light physical activity every day for at least 40 mins a day. If you blood pressure continues to be high despite these measures, then consult your doctor to adjust the proper cure and lifestyle. I hope you ll be fine soon. All the best! DR ERIOL