Drugs >  Nisoldipine
Nisoldipine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(NYE sole di peen)

Brand Names
Sular®

Therapeutic Categories
Calcium Channel Blocker

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to another dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, nisoldipine, or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used for treatment of high blood pressure.


How does it work?

  • Nisoldipine blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause relaxation. This results in a lowering of blood pressure.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Do not take with a high-fat meal.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or break.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • There should be an interval of 24 hours between doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase blood pressure.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. Many may reduce the effectiveness of nisoldipine.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.


What should I monitor?

  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Follow diet plan if taking this medicine for high blood pressure (low salt). Talk to nutritionist.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • Any rash.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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