Nisoldipine Tablets

What is this medication?

NISOLDIPINE (NYE sole di peen) treats high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sular

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nisoldipine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Itraconazole

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenytoin
• Cimetidine
• Quinidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact them.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Worsening chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Facial flushing, redness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What class of drug is nisoldipine?

Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker. It lessens your heart’s workload by widening your blood vessels. You can take nisoldipine if you’re taking other blood pressure medicines, like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or diuretics.

You should take nisoldipine whole (not crushed or split) and on an empty stomach. You can also take it one hour after a meal. Avoid grapefruit juice and high-fat meals; these will make the medicine less effective.

What is nisoldipine used for?

Nisoldipine is a treatment for high blood pressure. It lowers your blood pressure and the amount of oxygen your heart muscle needs to do its job.

Some people take nisoldipine to treat stable angina or Prinzmetal angina. These are types of chest pain. Calcium channel blockers can treat angina from any cause, not just Prinzmetal angina.

Does nisoldipine cause edema?

Yes, it can cause edema (swelling) in your arms or legs. This is the most common side effect of nisoldipine. You may be more likely to have swelling if you’re taking a higher dose.

Does nisoldipine cause weight gain?

It’s not likely. Fewer than 1% of people who took nisoldipine in a clinical trial reported weight gain. But fewer than 1% reported weight loss.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you have high blood pressure, you’re not alone. You can manage it with medicine. Be sure to read the prescription label instructions closely and follow them. Medicines work best if you take them in the right amount and in the way your healthcare provider recommends. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about nisoldipine if anything isn’t clear.