Nursing Teaching on Contraindications for Adalat Use

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on on contraindications for using Adalat as follows:

  1. Avoid using Adalat along with any other medications that can cause slowdown of heart rate, such as, Beta-blockers. Using them together can result in extreme slowdown of heart rate and can present an emergency.
  2. Avoid or use extreme caution using Adalat along with any other medications that cause vasodilation, such as, Isosorbide and Hydralazine. Using them together can result in episodes of extremely low BP and can present an emergency.
  3. Avoid using Adalat with grapefruit juice, as some component in the grapefruit juice will inhibit the metabolism of the Adalat. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects.
  4. Adalat is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Adalat can suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects. So, Adalat should be used with caution in individuals with hepatic dysfunction.
  5. Adalat is mainly excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete Adalat normally. So, this medication can stay in circulation for longer time and can be toxic. So, Adalat should be used with caution in individuals with compromised renal function.