Nifedip LA Cream

Nifedip LA Cream is used in the treatment of Anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus). An anal fissure is usually a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus. This crack in the skin is responsible for causing extreme pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements. Sometimes these fissures can be deep enough to cause spasms in the anal sphincter, which is the end part of the anus. A person dealing with anal fissures may experience pain during/ after a bowel movement, bleeding during the stool, and a visible crack around the anus area.

Nifedip LA Cream contains Lidocaine and Nifedipine. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic. It blocks pain signals from the nerves to the brain, decreasing the pain sensation. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It works in anal fissures by blocking the action of calcium on the blood vessels of the anus. Altogether the Nifedip LA Cream works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the anus area and promoting the proper blood flow in that region that helps to heal the fissure quickly. Nifedip LA Cream also reduces the anal canal pressure, which diminishes the pain and spasm in the anal region.

Nifedip LA Cream should be applied inside the rectum area as suggested by the doctor with the help of a rectal applicator given with the medication. Gently insert the applicator tip, just 1/2 to 1 inch, of medication into the rectum and squeeze the tube to deliver the drug before taking it out. Before using this medicine, clean the affected area with gentle soap and water and pat dry. Use the applicator for single use and discard it after every use. Never reuse it; use it regularly at the same time each day. Many persons using this drug do not face any side effects; however, possible side effects of Nifedip LA Cream may include burning, itching, redness, irritation, etc. However, if a person notices rectal bleeding, skin redness, or any other serious side effects, they need medical help immediately. 

The usage of Nifedip LA Cream is not allowed in patients who are hypersensitive to any of the components present in it as it may cause serious side effects. Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have broken skin/infection in the area where Nifedip LA Cream is to be applied, heart disease, liver disease, or a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). Inform your doctor before taking Nifedip LA Cream if you plan to get pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Nifedip LA Cream consists of two drugs, namely Lidocaine and Nifedipine. Lidocaine belongs to the class of local anaesthesia and is used to diminish inconvenience or pain associated with anal fissures. Being a sedative, it works by causing temporary loss of sensation in the anal region. It does so by blocking both the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing the neuronal membrane's permeability to sodium ions, further reducing depolarization with the resultant blockade of conduction. This way, the person gets relief from the pain associated with rectal discomfort. While Nifedipine works by relaxing the smooth muscles around the anus and promoting the blood in the anal area that helps heal the anal fissure faster. Nifedipine also blocks the action of calcium on the blood vessels of the anus. These actions reduce anal canal pressure, relieving pain and spasm. In this way, the Nifedip LA Cream helps in healing anal fissures.

• Application site reactions
• Tingling sensation
• Alterations in temperature sensations
• Swelling
• Itching
• Rash

Before taking Nifedip LA Cream, tell your doctor if you are hypersensitive to it. Before using this medicine, discuss your medical history, particularly if you have broken skin/infection in the area where the drug is to be applied or if you have heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disorder. Do not use this medication more frequently or in larger doses than suggested, as it is absorbed through the skin and might have serious negative effects.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Nifedip LA Cream may interact with different medicines. To prevent such interaction, one should tell their doctor about all the medications they are taking or if they have a previous drug history.

Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the intake of high fatty foods or alcohol along with Nifedip LA Cream as it could worsen the side effects, including drowsiness.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Nifedip LA Cream can interact with certain diseases, so it is advisable to tell the doctor about the past or current medical history.

• Indulge yourself in mindfulness activities like yoga that help reduce stress and pain management.

• Remember to get about 7-8 hours of sleep, which will help your muscles heal fast and reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Take out some time for meditation, read books, take a warm bubble bath, spend time with family, or listen to relaxing music.

• Make a habit of eating food rich in antioxidants such as berries, onion, milk, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.

• Foods rich in flavonoids helps the body to heal faster by reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.

• Strictly limit smoking and alcohol consumption as it may worsen the side effects of the drug.

Anal fissures: It is a small tear/cut in the lining of the anus. This cut in the skin may cause bleeding and severe pain during or after a bowel movement. This disease can affect people of all ages and is often seen in young children and infants, as constipation is common in these groups. The possible causes of an anal fissure include chronic constipation, trouble passing large or hard stool, frequent diarrhoea, tearing the skin around the anus, straining during childbirth, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), etc. Some common symptoms of an anal fissure include a crack in the skin around the anus, pain during the passage of bowel movement, a small lump on the skin near the anal fissure, bright red stool, etc.