Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocking agent, has been reported to cause many side effects, particularly in the cardiovascular system. A case of nifedipine-induced hypokalemia is presented, with a discussion on the presumable mechanism involved in this phenomenon.
EbnerFDunschedeHB. Hemodynamics, therapeutic mechanism of action and clinical findings of Adalat use based on worldwide clinical trials. In: JateneADLichtlenPR, eds. 3rd International Adalat Symposium. Amsterdam: Excerpta Medica, 1976: 283–300.
2.
OlivariMTBartonelliCPoleseAFiorentiniCMoruzziPGauzziMD. Treatment of hypertension with nifedipine, a calcium antagonist agent. Circulation1979; 59: 1056–62.
3.
MurphyMBScrivenAJIDolleryCT. Role of nifedipine in treatment of hypertension. Br Med J1983; 287: 257–9.
4.
MarreMMisumiJRaemschKCorvoiPMenardJ. Diuretic and natriuretic effects of nifedipine on isolated perfused rat kidney. J Pharmacol Exp Ther1982; 223: 263–70.
5.
MurphyMBScrivenAJIBrownMJCausonRDolleryCT. The effects of nifedipine and hydralazine induced hypotension on sympathetic activity. Eur J Clin Pharmacol1982; 23: 479–82.
6.
StruthersADReidJLMcLeanKRodgerJC. Adrenaline, hypokalemia and cardiac arrhythmias: Effect of beta adrenoceptor antagonists (abstract). Clin Sci1982; 62: 1.
7.
StruthersADReidJL. Nifedipine does not influence adrenaline induced hypokalemia in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol1983; 16: 342–3.
8.
MurphyMBScrivenAJIDolleryCT. The efficacy of nifedipine as a third line antihypertensive agent. Br J Clin Pharmacol1983; 15: 602–3.