Effect of food ingestion on nifedipine absorption and haemodynamic response

The absorption of nifedipine(10 mg) and haemodynamic responsewere studied in 10 patients with myocardial infarction before (Phase A) and after (Phase B) a standardized breakfast. In Phase A, the peak nifedipineconcentration ( Cmax) and maximum haemodynamic changes were found 1 h after drug administration. In Phase B, the Cmaxwas lower than that in phase A (43±6 vs 136±23 ng/ml,p<0.001), and both Cmaxand maximum haemodynamic changes were delayed to the fourth hour after administration. Nifedipineplasma concentration correlated significantly with the percent changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate.