Adalat is a soft capsule medication that is used for the treatment of various circulatory conditions including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Based on nifedipine as an active ingredient, Adalat provides relief from symptoms of this condition by facilitating relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels, thus contributing to unimpeded blood flow. Developed and manufactured by Bayer pharmaceutical company, this branded medication has proven to be highly adept at mitigating the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome and as such, it is commonly prescribed by the doctors throughout the UK.

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How is Raynaud’s syndrome treated?

Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s syndrome is a condition marked by the decrease and inhibition of the blood flow to the fingers and toes, resulting in temporary discolouration of the extremities, pain, pains and needles and loss of sensation. Affected extremities can often turn white and then blue. However, all these symptoms are temporary and will pass on their own in a couple of minutes or, in more severe cases, couple of hours. But, even when it is more severe, Raynaud’s syndrome is not considered to be a serious or dangerous condition. Regardless, it is usually very frustrating due to its impairment of the functionality of the hands.

Categories of Raynaud’s phenomenon

Most doctors differentiate between two categories of Raynaud’s phenomenon – primary and secondary. The former case accounts for a vast majority of documented cases and it is marked by the inability to find the exact cause of the problem. The latter, on the other hand, can usually be explained by a pre-existing condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune illnesses which will cause the immune system to attack otherwise healthy tissue.

Treating Raynaud’s syndrome without drugs

Majority of cases of Raynaud’s phenomenon usually go completely untreated since various self-help techniques such as avoiding exposure to cold, quitting smoking in order to improve circulation, coping more efficiently with stress or exercising have all proven to significantly contribute to the improvement of the condition. However, if the symptoms don’t show any signs of improvement, prescription medication might be necessary to keep the condition from causing further distress.

Adalat in Raynaud’s syndrome treatment

With nifedipine as an active ingredient, Adalat is classified as a calcium-channel blocker which means that it acts by preventing calcium molecules from affecting the smooth muscle tissue lining the blood vessels. The excessive presence of calcium can cause blood vessels to become tense and contracted and Adalat works to counteract these processes, facilitating better blood flow by keeping the blood vessels dilated and relaxed.

Can I buy Adalat online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Adalat online, but you need to keep in mind that in the UK, this is a prescription only medication which means that you can legally obtain it only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. But, this is not an obstacle for obtaining Adalat online. In fact, most online clinics operating within the UK will offer this medicine, but will require you to consult with the doctor employed at the clinic beforehand. This is usually done through a detailed medical questionnaire that the doctor will use to gain knowledge about your medical profile and history which he will then use to make an informed decision regarding your suitability for Adalat treatment. If everything is in order, the prescription will be issued and used to have the medicine sent from the partner pharmacy to the address you provided.

How is Adalat used?

In order to ensure maximum efficiency, while at the same time minimising the risk of unwanted side effects, you should always use Adalat exactly as instructed by your prescriber. Aside from the doctor’s advice, another good reference is official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.

The guidelines presented below are not intended to be used as a substitute for either of the two and are here just for illustrative purposes, so you can get a better understanding of what Adalat treatment might involve.

  • Always use exactly as instructed
  • The usual dose is one 10mg tablet every eight hours
  • In some cases, the doctor may advise a lower 5mg dose
  • Maximum dose is 20mg per eight hour period
  • Take the capsules whole with water; do not chew or break them
  • Avoid drinking grapefruit juice during treatment, as it can reduce efficiency of the treatment
  • Never exceed the prescribed dose
  • If you forget to take Adalat, do so as soon as you remember, but you should shift your schedule so that the next dose will be taken eight hours following the late dose

What are Adalat side effects?

As is the case with all prescription medications, Adalat can also cause certain side effects in people who are especially susceptible to them. The most dangerous side effect that you should be aware of is the possibility of an allergic reaction. Any signs and symptoms of allergic reaction such as difficulties breathing, drop in blood pressure, fast pulse, swelling of the face, lips, nose or throat will require you to halt treatment and seek immediate medical advice. Other documented side effects include:

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Common (1 in 10 users) Headaches, flushing, constipation, oedema, stomach pains
Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Lowered blood pressure, fainting, palpitations, dry mouth, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, general malaise, muscle cramps, sleep disorders, joint swelling, anxiety, dizziness, trembling, increased urinary frequency, impotence, blurred vision
Rare (1 in 1000 users) Pins and needles, inflammation of the gums, bleeding of the gums

Please keep in mind that this is not a complete list of all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Adalat.