Does Nifedipine Interact with Irbesartan?
Nifedipine and Irbesartan have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. In vitro studies suggest CYP 2C9 inhibition, but in clinical studies nifedipine showed no clinically significant effect on irbesartan pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. The mechanism involves cyp 2c9 inhibition (in vitro only). Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Nifedipine Class
- Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
- Irbesartan Class
- Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Nifedipine and Irbesartan occurs because cyp 2c9 inhibition (in vitro only). Clinically, this means in vitro studies suggest cyp 2c9 inhibition, but in clinical studies nifedipine showed no clinically significant effect on irbesartan pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Nifedipine and your doctor is considering prescribing Irbesartan (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider