Nifedipine
We’ll deliver to you in 2-5 days
Price checker
$89.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    $89.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Reviewed on November 11, 2025. by
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer
Next review due on
November 11, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Nov 17, 2025.

Off-label tablet that stops HAPE developing.

  • Nifedipine is a tablet treatment that can prevent a type of mountain sickness called high altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE.

  • HAPE can occur when someone ascends to around 2,500 metres above sea level too quickly. If you’re prescribed Nifedipine, you’ll usually start it the day before you ascend to prevent symptoms developing.

Price checker
$89.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    $89.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Nifedipine Nifedipine

What is Nifedipine?

Nifedipine is a tablet treatment that is used for preventing high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a type of altitude sickness that occurs around 8,200 ft (2,500 metres) above sea level.

HAPE can be life-threatening when not managed properly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness and a persistent cough that can sometimes produce sputum.

Who is Nifedipine for?

Nifedipine is for adults aged 18 or over who are prone to developing pulmonary edema at high altitudes, or those who’ve experienced it in the past.

If you’ve had HAPE before or know you are likely to suffer from it, a physician might recommend you take Nifedipine before you enter high altitude areas.

How does Nifedipine work?

Nifedipine belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. These are usually used to manage angina and high blood pressure (hypertension), and work by widening and relaxing blood vessels.[1]

This can help prevent HAPE by reducing pulmonary artery pressure, which in turn prevents fluid from filling the air sacs in your lungs.

Are there different doses of Nifedipine?

Nifedipine is available in four doses: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg (extended-release) and 60mg (extended-release).

The usual dose is to take 30mg every 12 hours, starting 24 hours before you ascend into high altitudes. You’ll then continue to take your tablets for as long as you remain in a high altitude area.

The extended-release tablets might reduce your chances of experiencing side effects, which might be a good option if you’ve taken Nifedipine before. Your physician will help you decide which type of tablet seems like the right choice for your trip.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Khan, K.M., Patel, J.B. and Patel, P. (2025) Nifedipine [Updated July 6, 2025]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on November 11, 2025. Next review due on November 11, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Nifedipine Nifedipine

How to take Nifedipine

Swallow your Nifedipine tablets whole, with a glass of water. Avoid breaking them or crushing them for any reason.

Although Nifedipine can treat HAPE symptoms once they’ve started, it’s important to start your treatment the day before you climb to high altitudes. You won’t need to take more than 30mg every 12 hours. If you’re prescribed the extended-release 60mg tablet, you’ll only need to take one of these each day, starting 24 hours before you ascend. 

If you notice any symptoms that you think may be HAPE, such as:

  • being very short of breath, even when resting
  • coughing up pink or frothy mucus
  • feeling confused
  • difficulty waking up
  • problems with balance or coordination
  • blue or gray discoloration of the skin, lips, tongue or nails 

you’ll need to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible and get emergency medical attention. 

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on November 11, 2025. Next review due on November 11, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Nifedipine Nifedipine

Nifedipine isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when using it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Nifedipine Nifedipine

Nifedipine: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How long does Nifedipine take to work?

Answer:
How long Nifedipine starts to work will depend on which type of tablet you take. The immediate release tablets will start to work right away, while the extended-release tablets are gentler and build the medication up in your system slowly.

Whichever type of tablet you’re prescribed, you’ll need to start it before you reach high altitudes so your body can adjust to it, and so it can work to prevent HAPE symptoms from starting.

Does Nifedipine treat HACE?

Answer:
No, as it wouldn’t work in the right way. High altitude cerebral edema (HACE), like HAPE, is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. But it involves swelling of the brain, rather than a fluid build up in the lungs.

It’s typically treated with a corticosteroid called dexamethasone which can reduce brain swelling rapidly.

How effective is Nifedipine?

Answer:
Although studies tend to be small due to the nature of the treatment, Nifedipine has been shown to be effective at preventing high altitude pulmonary edema. In a study of twenty-one mountaineers with a history of HAPE showed that taking nifedipine significantly reduced their pulmonary-artery pressure and prevented the onset of HAPE symptoms.[2]

Do I need a prescription for Nifedipine?

Answer:
You’ll need a prescription to start using Nifedipine. This is so your physician can check it’s the best fit for preventing pulmonary edema symptoms from developing.

If you have any questions about off-label prescribing, you can ask your physician about it. Medications are commonly prescribed off-label if a doctor thinks using them this way will be effective.

Can I get Nifedipine through private health insurance?

Answer:
Private health insurance plans can vary, which means some providers might cover treatments that others don’t.

HAPE is considered a medical necessity, but your plan might not cover Nifedipine because it’s prescribed off-label. Using the medication outside of the US might also affect your coverage.

So it’s best to check what your plan will cover before you start using Nifedipine so you have a good idea of how much, if anything, you’ll need to pay.

Treated trusted source:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2018). Understanding Unapproved Use of Approved Drugs “Off Label”.
  2. Bärtsch, P., et al. (1991). Prevention of high-altitude pulmonary edema by nifedipine. N Engl J Med, 325 (18), pp. 1284-1289.

This is healthcare on your terms.

All from the comfort of your device. Get access to what you need, when you need it.

100% online

Ask questions and get expert recommendations, at the touch of a button.

Tailored choices

We'll narrow down some treatments for you to choose from based on your medical profile.

Secure shipping

Receive your treatment by express delivery, in discreet packaging.

Easy automatic refills

Set your own delivery schedule and pause or make changes any time you like.

See how it works

Your partners in health

Get to know our clinical team. They review our info, prescribe and dispense your treatments.

Dr. Joseph Palumbo

Senior Medical Adviser
Dr-Joseph

Registered with NPI (No. 1043478878)

Meet Joseph  

Dr. Rami Ahmed

Prescribing Clinician
Dr. Rami Ahmed (1)

Registered with NPI (No. 1376740092)

Meet Rami  

Mr Craig Marsh

Clinical Reviewer
Mr-Craig

Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)

Meet Craig  

Dr Daniel Atkinson

Clinical Reviewer
Dr D,new

Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)

Meet Daniel  

Here’s what you had to say

  • Service reviews
Treated
4.45

Average rating based on 2113 reviews.

Our verification process
551

Very convenient and time saver makes things easier

A
551

Treatment is going great! Fantastic service.

T
551

Understood my needs. Worked very fast. Script showed up quickly. Very satisfied. Highly recommend.

A
551

Ordered 8/21 and arrived 8/24. Always great service.

A
551

All worked as planned.

A
551

Everything is working very well thank you so much

J
See all our reviews 

Read more about Nifedipine

Further reading

Woman with pink top and dark hair exercising with boxing gloves on

How to exercise safely when you have asthma

Thankfully, exercising with asthma isn’t impossible. It can take a little bit of planning, but the…

December 19, 2025 Read more
Man wearing checked shirt with glasses and grey beard in garden centre

What is an asthma attack?

Knowing the signs of an asthma attack and what to do is really important if you or someone you know …

December 19, 2025 Read more
A younger woman in a yellow cardigan sits on a couch with an older man in a blue jumper. They're both looking at a book held by the younger woman, and she's pointing to the page

Can taking weight loss injections lower your risk of getting dementia?

Everything you need to know about Wegovy and how it may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases…

December 12, 2025 Read more

Give us the inbox treatment.

We're making healthcare more about you. Sign up to our newsletter for personalised health articles that make a difference.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.

Tell us about a problem

Accept the terms of use terms of use

What did you like about it?

What didn't you like about it?

I'm looking for
Popular searches:
Viagra Wegovy Finasteride Varenicline Zepbound