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EPILAT

Composition
EPILAT Capsule EPILAT RETARD Tablet
Nifedipine 10 mg 20 mg

Properties and Mode of Action

EPILAT contains nifedipine, the slow calcium channel blocker which inhibits the movement of calcium ions across the cell
membrane where it is needed to facilitate contraction; thus causing relaxation of smooth muscles.
EPILAT is an ideal antihypertensive as it effectively lowers the elevated arterial blood pressure by dilating the constricted
peripheral arterioles and reducing the total peripheral resistance, an effect which is rapid in onset and is of prolonged
duration.
EPILAT potently dilates the coronary arteries and arterioles in ischaemic regions, thus increasing the myocardial oxygen
delivery.
EPILAT reduces the total peripheral resistance (after-load) against which the heart works. This unloading of the heart
decreases both myocardial energy consumption and oxygen demand.
Those two combined pharmacological effects render EPILAT of special value in the prophylaxis and treatment of angina
pectoris.
EPILAT has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon through its strong peripheral dilator effect.
EPILAT has been reported to lower pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, making it beneficial in
pulmonary hypertension.
EPILAT is safely used in asthmatics as it does not adversely affect the respiratory function.
EPILAT furthermore causes no adverse effect on either liver or kidney function.

Indications
Vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's or Variant angina).
Chronic stable angina (classic effort - associated angina).
All types of hypertension.
Angina or hypertension together with bronchospasm.
Angina or hypertension in patients who cannot tolerate therapy with beta-adrenergic blockers or nitrates or who remain
symptomatic despite adequate doses of these agents.
Raynaud's phenomenon.
Primary pulmonary hypertension.
In oesophageal smooth muscle achalasia, EPILAT has been used with some success.
EPILAT may be helpful in some cases of diffuse oesophageal spasm and related motor disorders.

Dosage and Administration

EPILAT Capsules:
Dosage should be individualized.
Initial dose: 1 capsule 3 times daily during or after meals.
Range: 1 - 2 capsules 3 times daily.
Some patients, especially those with coronary artery spasm may require larger doses and/or more frequent
administration.
Coronary heart disease:

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The average daily dose: 1 capsule 3 times daily.

Hypertension:
Acute cases: 1 - 2 capsules.
Essential or Secondary: 1 capsule 3 times daily up to a maximum dose of 2 capsules 3 times daily.
Discontinuation:
No rebound effect has been observed upon discontinuation. However, dosage is preferably gradually decreased.
Raynaud’s phenomenon: 1 - 2 capsules 3 times daily.
Diffuse Oesophageal Spasm and Related Motor Disorders:
1 - 2 capsules before meals.

EPILAT RETARD Tablets:

Dosage should be invidualized.
Hypertension
1 tablet 2 times daily, may be increased to 2 tablets 2 times daily.
Angina:
Effort angina: 1 tablet 2 times daily.
Primary angina: 1 tablet 3 times daily.
Prinzmetal's angina : 1 tablet 4 times daily.
Cardiomyopathy, Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: 1 - 2 tablets 2 times daily.
Raynaud’s phenomenon: 1 - 2 tablets 2 - 3 times daily.

Precautions
Concomitant use of EPILAT and oral beta-adrenergic blockers is usually well-tolerated. However, close monitoring of the
patient, and reassessment of the continued use is better done periodically.
Mild to moderate oedema, typically associated with arterial vasodilatation and not due to left ventricular dysfunction,
occurring primarily in the lower extremities may occur and usually responds to diuretics.
Occasional elevations of transaminase and alkaline phosphatase have been reported.
Congestive heart failure has rarely developed, usually in patients with tight aortic stenosis.

Drug Interactions
EPILAT may enhance the antihypertensive effects of beta-adrenergic blockers.
The use of EPILAT in diabetic patients may require adjustment of their control.

Contra_indications
Pregnancy.
Hypersensitivity to nifedipine.
Teratogenic and embryotoxic effects have been demonstrated in small animals, mostly at doses higher than the usual
human dosage.
It is not known whetherEPILAT is excreted in human milk or not; therefore it is given with caution to nursing women.

Side effects
These are generally not serious and rarely require discontinuation of therapy; only dosage adjustment is quite sufficient.
They include transient headache, flushing, dizziness, allergic reactions, hypotension, palpitations, or peripheral oedema.

Presentation
EPILAT Capsules : Bottle of 30 capsules.
EPILAT RETARD Tablets : Box of 2 strips of 10 tablets each.

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