What Causes Severe Swelling In My Legs And Feet While On Nifedipine?

Posted on Sat, 8 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Sep 2018 Answered on

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I am using nipedapine and it seems to. Cause severe swelling in my legs and feet. Is there another high blood pressure pills that I can switch to?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

This is a common adverse effect of nifedipine and other calcium channel blocker.

For this reason, I would recommend switching to another drug like ACEI (Lisinopril, Ramipril, etc.) or ARB (Valsartan, Olmesartan etc.) which do not cause leg swelling.

Please discuss with your doctor about the above treatment options.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again!
Wishing you good health.
Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (42 hours later)

Ok I will check with my doctor, I didn't mention that I am at kidney failure due to high blood pressure, I just had a catheter installed for PD dyalisis. I am currently taking nephedaphine 90mg, hydralazine 100mg and catapres.01 all together 3 times a day just to keep pressure around 140/80 . The side effects I have are stuffy nose, swelling in feet and legs, and constipation. A NY suggestions of changes are very welcomed

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Considering the fact that you suffer from kidney failure, I would not recommend taking ARB or ACEI, as they may lead to high potassium levels and further aggravation of kidney function.

Coming to this point, I would recommend switching to Lercanidipine 10mg daily, which has less adverse effects compared to Nifedipine. You can consider also adding Doxazosin, which is an antihypertensive drug indicated in renal patients (like Hydralazine).

Hope you will find this answer helpful! Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana