Structural Biochemistry/Adalat

Overview

Adalat is drugs with generic name nifedipine produced by Bayer and is classified as a calcium channel blocker. It has the chemical name 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro=2,6=dimethyl-4=(2=nitrophenyl I)-dimethyl ester. The drug is often prescribed to treat hypertension. The drug is available in tablet form and has a bioavailability of 84-89 percent after oral administration. Nifedipine is metabolized via the cytochrome P450 3A4 system, located both in the intestinal mucosa and in the liver with a half life of 2 hours. The drug is 1,4 dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and is a selective vasodilator. Normally in the heart, heart rate is increased by calcium ions binding to calcium channels within the heart. The increased heart rate causes vasoconstriction in the arteries by shrinking the artery wall. What the drug does is actually block calcium from interacting with the calcium channels within the heart and this allows the artery walls to dilate to prevent hypertension while the heart slows down. Some of the extreme side effects include hypotension, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure. It is also important to not have grape fruit with this drug.