NIFEDIPINE Meaning and
Definition
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Nifedipine is a pharmaceutical drug classified as a calcium channel blocker. It belongs to the dihydropyridine class of medication and is commonly used in the management of high blood pressure and certain types of angina (chest pain). It exerts its therapeutic effect by preventing the entry of calcium ions into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and the heart, thereby causing relaxation.
Nifedipine functions by binding to L-type calcium channels, blocking their activation and inhibiting the inward movement of calcium ions. By doing so, it reduces the constriction of blood vessels, leading to dilation and subsequent lowering of blood pressure. This mechanism of action also allows for increased oxygen supply to the heart, alleviating angina symptoms.
The drug is typically administered orally and comes in various forms such as extended-release tablets or capsules. The dosage and frequency of intake are determined based on the individual's medical condition and response to the medication. It is important to follow the prescribed instructions carefully to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.
Like any medication, nifedipine may entail certain side effects, including dizziness, flushing, headaches, edema, and low blood pressure. These effects usually subside over time or with adjustments in dosage. Patients should consult their healthcare provider if any severe or persistent side effects occur.
Overall, nifedipine serves as an important therapeutic agent in the management of hypertension and angina, aiding in the regulation of blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health.
Common Misspellings for NIFEDIPINE
- bifedipine
- mifedipine
- jifedipine
- hifedipine
- nufedipine
- njfedipine
- nkfedipine
- nofedipine
- n9fedipine
- n8fedipine
- nidedipine
- nicedipine
- nivedipine
- nigedipine
- nitedipine
- niredipine
- nifwdipine
- nifsdipine
- nifddipine
- nifediopine
- nifedipinne
- nifedipinee
- Nifedepine
- Nifepadine
Etymology of NIFEDIPINE
The word "nifedipine" is derived from its chemical structure and systematic chemical nomenclature. It is composed of two parts: "nifed-" and "-pine".
The "nifed-" portion of the word comes from the chemical name "1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester", which is the full chemical name of nifedipine. The "nifed-" portion is derived by taking the first few letters of the chemical name.
The "-pine" ending is a common suffix used in the systematic chemical nomenclature to represent a class of compounds known as dihydropyridines, to which nifedipine belongs.
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