Adalat GITS Dosage/Direction for Use

Posology: In mild to moderate hypertension, the recommended initial dose is one 20 mg tablet once-daily. In severe hypertension, the recommended initial dose is one 30 mg tablet once-daily. If necessary, the dosage can be increased according to individual requirements up to a maximum of 90 mg once-daily.
For the prophylaxis of angina pectoris, the recommended initial dose is one 30 mg tablet once-daily. The dosage can be increased according to individual requirements up to a maximum of 90 mg once-daily.
Patients in whom hypertension or angina symptoms are controlled on Adalat capsules or Adalat retard may be safely switched to Adalat GITS. Prophylactic anti-anginal efficacy is maintained when patients are switched from other calcium antagonists such as diltiazem or verapamil to Adalat GITS. Patients switched from other calcium antagonists should initiate therapy at the recommended initial dose of 30 mg Adalat GITS once-daily. Subsequent titration to a higher dose may be initiated as warranted clinically.
Co-administration with CYP 3A4 inhibitors or CYP 3A4 inducers may result in the recommendation to adapt the nifedipine dose or not to use nifedipine at all (see Interactions).
Duration of treatment: Treatment may be continued indefinitely.
Additional information on special populations: Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of Adalat GITS in children below 18 years has not been established. Currently available data for the use of nifedipine in hypertension are described in Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions.
Elderly: Based on the pharmacokinetic data for Adalat GITS no dose adaptation in elderly people above 65 years is necessary.
Renal impairment: Based on pharmacokinetic data, no dosage adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Method of administration: Oral use.
The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, either with or without food. The tablets should be taken at approximately 24-hour intervals, i.e. at the same time each day, preferably during the morning. Adalat GITS tablets must be swallowed whole; under no circumstances should they be bitten, chewed or broken up.
Adalat GITS should not be taken with grapefruit juice (see Interactions).