Uses
What is nisoldipine used for?
Nisoldipine is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Nisoldipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does nisoldipine work (mechanism of action)?
Nisoldipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is nisoldipine supplied (dosage forms)?
Nisoldipine is available as Sular and generic nisoldipine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
8.5 mg, 17 mg, 20 mg, 25.5 mg, 30 mg, 34 mg, 40 mg extended-release oral tablets
How should I store nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of nisoldipine?
The most common side effects of nisoldipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
- Headache
- Dizziness
There may be other side effects of nisoldipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of nisoldipine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of nisoldipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Nisoldipine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Chest Pain. Nisoldipine can cause chest pain, which can be a symptom of a heart attack. The risk of chest pain is increased in people with existing heart disease. Do not take nisoldipine if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
Severe Allergic Reactions. Nisoldipine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking nisoldipine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use nisoldipine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take nisoldipine.
- Sular
- Nisoldipine
- Any other medicine known as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nisoldipine products they stock.
What should I know about nisoldipine before using it?
Do not take nisoldipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not chew, cut, or crush nisoldipine extended-release tablets.
Do not share nisoldipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep nisoldipine out of the reach of children.
Nisoldipine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how nisoldipine affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using nisoldipine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nisoldipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nisoldipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nisoldipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if nisoldipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop nisoldipine.
Interactions
Does nisoldipine interact with foods or drinks?
Nisoldipine should be taken on an empty stomach. Avoid taking nisoldipine within 1 hour before a meal or within 2 hours after a meal.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nimodipine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking nimodipine.
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can lead to increased levels of nimodipine in the body, which may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking nimodipine.
Does nisoldipine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking nisoldipine.
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of nisoldipine. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nisoldipine. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much nisoldipine?
If you or someone else has used too much nisoldipine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of nisoldipine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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