Safety of nifedipine in subjects with bronchial asthma and COPD

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of nifedipine, a calcium channel blocking agent, on 60 subjects with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), angina, and normal subjects. All subjects received nifedipine, 20 mg, sublingually. Spirometry was done pre-drug administration and every 20 minutes after for two hours. Parameters measured were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV ₁), and forced expiratory flow at 25 percent to 75 percent of total volume (FEF25-75%). Subjects with asthma and COPD were also given nifedipine 20 mg three times daily, orally for two weeks, and tested biweekly during this period. All bronchodilators, beta-blockers, and long acting nitrates were withheld for five half-lives of the drug prior to test day. There was no adverse effect on the pulmonary function. We found a statistically significant improvement (p1 after nifedipine. There was no tachyphlaxis at the end of two weeks. Nifedipine is safe in patients with asthma and/or chronic bronchitis.