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nifedipine (Darbelan 10)

✓ Approved

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. · CACNA1C · Small Molecule

What is nifedipine?

nifedipine is a small molecule developed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.. It is approved for therapeutic indications via oral (po).

Drug Profile

Brand NamesDarbelan 10
CompanyTeva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
Molecular TargetCACNA1C
RouteOral (PO)
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

nifedipine acts on 1 molecular target:

CACNA1Ccalcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNL1A1, CACNA1C-IT2)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

nifedipine is developed for 2 unique indications across 2 therapeutic areas.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Cardiac disordersAngina pectoris✓ Approved
Vascular disordersHypertension✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedFood and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association2026-07-24

Lead-induced apoptosis in Sertoli cells is associated with Ca2+ dysregulation.

Zhang Chi C, Li Yunting Y, Zhang Yangle Y, Qiao Hanming H et al.

Lead (Pb) is a common environmental toxicant associated with male reproductive injury. Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential for spermatogenesis, but the mechanism of Pb-induced SC injury remains unclear. This study investigated whether Pb exposure induces SC apoptosis and explored the possible mechanisms involved. An early pubertal mouse model of Pb exposure and TM4 cells were used. Cell viability, morphology, apoptosis, apoptosis-related protein expression, intracellular Ca2+ levels, membrane potential-related fluorescence, and ERK phosphorylation were assessed. Nifedipine, Bay K8644, and U0126 were used for intervention. Pb exposure induced a pro-apoptotic molecular expression pattern in mouse testes. In TM4 cells, Pb reduced cell viability, induced morphological deterioration, and increased apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Pb also altered intracellular Ca2+ levels and membrane potential-related fluorescence. Nifedipine partially reversed Pb-induced changes in Bax and Bcl-2, whereas Bay K8644 produced no additional significant effect. Pb reduced the p-ERK1/2-to-total ERK1/2 ratio, and U0126 further suppressed ERK phosphorylation and aggravated apoptosis-related molecular alterations. Pb exposure induced apoptosis-related molecular alterations in mouse testes and apoptosis in TM4 SCs. These effects were associated with disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis, and inhibition of ERK signaling further aggravated Pb-induced apoptosis-related molecular alterations.

PMID 42492755
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PubMedBMC pregnancy and childbirth2026-07-21

Fetal cephalohematoma following external cephalic version: a case report.

Xie Jiangyan J

External cephalic version (ECV) is an obstetric procedure that involves manually turning the fetus inside the pregnant woman's abdomen to change a breech or transverse presentation to a cephalic presentation. It can significantly increase the proportion of cephalic presentations during delivery and reduce the cesarean section rate for term singleton breech presentations, making it a relatively safe operation. In this case, we report a case of fetal cephalohematoma following ECV, which has not been previously documented in the literature. A 33-year-old multiparous woman with a breech presentation underwent an ECV at 39 weeks and 1 day of gestation. Nifedipine was taken orally before the procedure to inhibit uterine contractions, and combined spinal-epidural anesthesia was performed. ECV was successful on the third attempt. On the 10th postoperative day, an ultrasound examination revealed a fetal cephalohematoma, and a cesarean section was eventually performed. The fetal cephalohematoma gradually resolved after birth, without causing severe adverse effects on the newborn. ECV has few complications and can significantly reduce the cesarean section rate in breech presentations. However, during the procedure, it is important to strengthen perioperative management and improve the operator's professional skills to reduce the risk of complications. The procedure should be performed gently, without unnecessary force.

PMID 42477611
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PubMedEuropean journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology2026-07-17

The association between oral antihypertensive agents and perinatal outcomes in early-onset fetal growth restriction: A post-hoc analysis of the Dutch OPTICORE study.

Hup Rosalie J RJ, van de Meent Mette M, Ganzevoort Wessel W, Gordijn Sanne J SJ et al.

Early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy frequently co-occur, reflecting shared underlying placental pathology. We evaluated whether the type of oral antihypertensive agent (OAA) (i.e. methyldopa, labetalol, nifedipine, or a combination) is associated with birthweight or adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by early-onset FGR. A post-hoc analysis of the OPtimal TIming of antenatal COrticosteroid administration in early-onset fetal growth REstriction (OPTICORE) study was performed, including women treated with methyldopa, labetalol, nifedipine, or a combination. The primary outcome was birthweight. Secondary outcomes included gestational age (GA) and adverse perinatal outcome measures as defined by the Core Outcome Set for FGR (COSGROVE). Outcomes were compared separately in monotherapy and combination therapy groups. Adjusted multilevel linear or logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the 1,453 women included in the OPTICORE study, 849 (58.4%) received OAAs during pregnancy, with exposure groups ranging from 14 to 230 patients. No significant differences were found in absolute birthweight, GA, or adverse perinatal outcomes between monotherapy groups nor between combination therapy groups. Among early-onset FGR pregnancies, we found no differences in birthweight, GA, or adverse perinatal outcomes between the commonly used OAAs methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine when compared head-to-head, nor between different combination therapies. These findings suggest that OAA treatment in this context should not be guided by concerns regarding fetal growth or adverse perinatal outcomes. However, since some exposure groups included a limited number of patients and possible bias by indication, results should be interpreted with caution.

PMID 42462570
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PubMedEuropean journal of hospital pharmacy : science and practice2026-07-11

The optimisation of extemporaneous compounding of low-dose nifedipine capsules.

Pajula Katja K, Sunnarborg Rasmus R, Ramon Carla Riera CR, Lehtonen Marko M et al.

Extemporaneous compounding is often necessary when a suitable drug product is not on the market (eg, when the patient is a child). The medication of children often differs from adults as there are several excipients which are generally recognised as safe but which nevertheless are unsuitable ingredients for paediatric medication. Extemporaneous compounding is the only manufacturing method to tailor the final drug product with specific needs. However, the disadvantage is the lack of standardised instructions. The situation is even more difficult if the active pharmaceutical ingredient is light sensitive. The aim of the study was to optimise the extemporaneous compounding of low-dose nifedipine (NIF) capsules size 3 (0.3 mL) and 4 (0.21 mL) by comparing the volumetric and gravimetric methods. The suitability of several fillers-lactose (LAC), mannitol (MAN) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-for capsule compounding was evaluated. The powder properties of NIF, LAC, MAN and MCC were characterised. The volumetric and gravimetric methods (12 batches) were evaluated by the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). The light degradation of NIF was studied with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. All manufactured capsules met the Ph. Eur. requirements on uniformity of mass (2.9.5.). With regard to uniformity of content (2.9.6.), nine of the 12 batches met the Ph. Eur. However, deviation from the average content was greater with LAC than with MAN and MCC. According to the uniformity of dosage units (Ph. Eur. 2.9.40.), eight of the 12 batches met the requirements, with LAC being slightly poorer than MAN and MCC. Both volumetric and gravimetric methods were suitable for low-dose NIF capsule compounding. The powder loss during preparation was greater with the gravimetric method, even though it produced better quality capsules. MAN and MCC were slightly better than LAC as capsule fillers. Solid NIF degraded slowly when exposed to artificial light whereas dissolved NIF degraded in less than an hour.

PMID 42431730
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PubMedToxicology reports2026-07-11

VA-ECMO and HIET for toxic cardiogenic shock in an elderly patient following severe poly-intoxication: A case report.

Ouwerkerk J J J JJJ, Poublon N A NA, Westra A F AF, Kraaijvanger N N

This case report presents the successful use of high-dose insulin euglycemic therapy (HIET) and venous arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in managing severe toxic cardiogenic shock following poly-intoxication in an elderly patient. A 67-year-old woman, with a history of depression, previous suicide attempts and chronic renal failure, overdosed on multiple cardiovascular active agents including metoprolol (β-blocker), nifedipine (calcium channel blocker), nortriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant), venlafaxine (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor), and temazepam (benzodiazepine) were reported. Initial treatment with vasopressors, HIET and supportive measures stabilized her condition temporarily. Despite these interventions, the patient developed catecholamine-refractory shock with progressive multiorgan failure, requiring escalation to VA-ECMO as a bridge to recovery. VA-ECMO resulted in hemodynamic stabilization, enabling vasopressor withdrawal and decannulation after three days. The patient survived the acute toxic phase without irreversible neurological injury. However, the course was complicated by vascular complications, prolonged mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, severe functional decline and eventually death eight months later. This case illustrates that VA-ECMO may provide effective temporary circulatory support in severe reversible toxic cardiogenic shock, even in elderly patients with significant comorbidity. However, the substantial burden of long-term morbidity and prolonged recovery should be carefully weighed during multidisciplinary decision-making.

PMID 42434173
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PubMedRevista peruana de medicina experimental y salud publica2026-07-09

Adherence to antihypertensive treatment in patients at a tertiary hospital in Lima, Peru.

Aguilar-Lizarme Angy A, Amado-Tineo José J

In Peru, there are few reports on pharmacological adherence in patients with arterial hypertension. In this context, the present study aimed to determine adherence to antihypertensive treatment in patients treated at a tertiary-level social security hospital in Lima. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 250 hospitalized patients, over 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of primary arterial hypertension on pharmacological treatment. Adherence was evaluated using the Morisky questionnaire (MMAS-8), and variables such as prescribed medication, age, sex, marital status, and educational level were collected. 56.4% of the participants were male and 86.4% were over 60 years old. It was observed that 42% presented low pharmacological adherence and 58% medium adherence, with no cases of high adherence recorded. Monotherapy was the most frequent regimen (48%), with losartan, nifedipine, and enalapril being the most prescribed drugs. Finally, significant differences were identified between adherence to antihypertensive treatment and educational level and the number of drugs.

PMID 42424289
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