- What is nisoldipine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for nisoldipine?
- What are the side effects of nisoldipine?
- What is the dosage for nisoldipine?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with nisoldipine?
- Is nisoldipine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about nisoldipine?
What is nisoldipine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Nisoldipine is an oral calcium channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class that is used to treat high blood pressure. Other calcium channel blockers in the DHP class include nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), and isradipine (Dynacirc). Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering certain types of muscle cells. Since the muscle cells need calcium to contract, CCBs prevent the cells from contracting, that is, they cause the muscle cells to relax. Nisoldipine selectively relaxes the muscles of small arteries causing the arteries to dilate but has little or no effect on muscles of veins or the heart. Dilation of arteries reduces blood pressure. Nisoldipine was approved by the FDA in February of 1995.
What brand names are available for nisoldipine?
Sular
Is nisoldipine available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for nisoldipine?
Yes
What are the uses for nisoldipine?
What are the side effects of nisoldipine?
The most common side effects of nisoldipine are:
- Peripheral edema (swollen ankles and feet),
- headache,
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- palpitations,
- Hypersensitivity reactions,
- worsening of chest pain,
- low blood pressure, and
- heart attacks
What is the dosage for nisoldipine?
The recommended dose is 17 to 34 mg or 20 to 40 mg daily depending on the formulation that is used. Doses may be increased at one week intervals. Tablets should be swallowed whole and taken on an empty stomach. Individuals with poor liver function require lower doses of nisoldipine.
QUESTION
Salt and sodium are the same. See AnswerWhich drugs or supplements interact with nisoldipine?
Cimetidine (Tagamet) or any drug that reduces the activity of liver enzymes that break down nisoldipine can increase blood levels of nisoldipine, possibly causing more side effects. Examples of drugs that may reduce break down of nisoldipine include ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox), and erythromycin.
Is nisoldipine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of nisoldipine in pregnancy are unknown.
It is unknown if nisoldipine appears in breast milk.
What else should I know about nisoldipine?
What preparations of nisoldipine are available?
Tablets (Extended Release): 8.5, 17, 20, 25.5, 30, 34, and 40 mg.
How should I keep nisoldipine stored?
Tablets should be stored below 30 C (86 F) and should be protected from light and moisture.
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Summary
Nisoldipine (Sular) is a calcium channel blocker prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. Review side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions prior to taking this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Picture of HypertensionHigh blood pressure, defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140...
Related Disease Conditions
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs due to the tightening or stiffness of very small arteries called arterioles. As a result, the heart pumps harder through the stiff or narrow arterioles, leading to elevated pressure inside the vessels. Hypertension is known as 'the silent killer' because it often goes unnoticed and may cause serious complications such as kidney diseases, heart diseases, heart failure, and stroke.
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High Blood Pressure TreatmentHigh blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
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Angina SymptomsClassic angina symptoms are described as chest pressure that radiates down the arm, into the neck or jaw and is associated with shortness of breath and sweating. Typical angina symptoms should be made worse with activity and should resolve or get better with rest. Angina may not have any pain and instead may present as shortness of breath with exercise, malaise, fatigue, or weakness.
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Febrile SeizuresFebrile seizures, or convulsions caused by fever, can be frightening in small children or infants. However, in general, febrile seizures are harmless. Febrile seizure is not epilepsy. It is estimated that one in every 25 children will have at least one febrile seizure. It is important to know what to do to help your child if he/she has a febrile seizure. Some of the features of a febrile seizure include losing consciousness, shaking, moving limbs on both sides of the body, and lasts 1-2 minutes. Less commonly, a febrile seizure may only affect one side of the body.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- amlodipine besylate
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- Types of High Blood Pressure Medications
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
- nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat, Afeditab)
- felodipine (Plendil)
- nicardipine, Cardene, Cardene SR
- bepridil (Vascor)
- Side Effects of Sular (nisoldipine)
Prevention & Wellness
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.