Afeditab CR and Ibutilide Fumarate

• Generic Name: nifedipine
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Nifediac CC, Nifedical XL, Procardia, Procardia XL, Adalat

Nifedipine is used alone or together with other medicines to treat severe chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, nifedipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: ibutilide
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Corvert

Used for rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter to sinus rhythm.

Considered a drug of choice for pharmacologic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter.

Some experts state that ibutilide also may be used in hemodynamically stable patients with preexcited atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome).

Also may be used in selected patients with focal atrial tachycardia.

Atrial arrhythmias that are not of recent onset are less likely to respond to the drug. Efficacy not determined in atrial arrhythmias of >90 days’ duration.