Affected Protocols
Women’s Business Manual
- Severe pre-eclampsia p22
- Stopping labour (tocolysis) p32
Issue
- Nifedipine Immediate Release (IR) 10mg and 20mg tablets have been discontinued, however are available on the Special Access Scheme.
- Previously Nifedipine Controlled Release (CR) and Sustained Release (SR) were recommended when halved or crushed, however this recommendation was later withdrawn. Crushing or halving these types of formulations will result in erratic dissolution and absorption of the active ingredient and could potentially cause harm.
Action
- Nifedipine IR can only be given with a Medical Consult and doctor’s order. Let the doctor know which strength and formulation (IR tablets) is available in your clinic and proceed as directed by the doctor.
- If Nifedipine IR tablets are not available to use in these protocols, RPHCM recommend that doctors consult the obstetrician or the pharmacist at the supplying pharmacy for access to Nifedipine IR and further guidance.
Update hard copy manual
A link to download stickers to explain this situation will be supplied with new orders of the Women’s Business Manual.
A copy of the Sticker template is available here