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Nifedipine danger in primary pulmonary byperterHon

DRUG REACTIONS

The death of a 17-year-old woman with primary pulmonary hypertension after she received a single dose of nifedipine 20mg, highlights the critical importance of testing such patients in an experienced setting, comments Dr Stuart Rich from the University of Illinois. Chicago, US.

As primary pulmonary hypertension is uncommon, many doctors feel that these patients should be treated in centres that have the appropriate expertise. At the institution where Dr Rich practises, over 300 patients with pulmonary hypertension have been successfully challenged with calcium-channel blockers. with no incidents of cardiogenic shock or death. Dr Rich comments that adenosine, with a very short half-life. is a safe alternative drug to use as a testing agent for patients with primary pulmonary hypertension.

Rich S. Death in a palienl with primary pulmonary hypertension afler 20 mg of nifedipine. Reply. New England Journal of Medicine 329: 812-813. 9 Sep 1993 MOl~I,..ltl

18 Sep 1993 INPHARMA'" ISSN 0156-270319310918-00221$1.00" Adls International Ltd