Procardia (nifedipine) belongs to which drug class and is contraindicated in which condition?

• A. Calcium channel blocker; contraindicated in cardiac disease
• B. Beta blocker; contraindicated in COPD
• C. Prostaglandin inhibitor; contraindicated in peptic ulcer
• D. Alpha agonist; contraindicated in hypotension

Answer: (A)

Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker, specifically a dihydropyridine. It works by blocking L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing arterial dilation, lowering systemic vascular resistance, and reducing afterload. Because of this BP-lowering effect, it can decrease cardiac workload and perfusion. In patients with cardiac disease, especially when cardiac reserve is limited, this drop in blood pressure and potential reduction in coronary perfusion can worsen symptoms or compromise cardiac output. That’s why this drug is considered contraindicated in cardiac disease.

The other pairings don’t match nifedipine’s pharmacology: a beta blocker acts on beta-adrenergic receptors, a prostaglandin inhibitor affects inflammatory pathways, and an alpha agonist tends to raise blood pressure.