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Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: nisoldipine

BRAND NAME: Sular

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nisoldipine is an oral calcium-channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class. 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 them to dilate but has little or no effect on muscles of the veins or the heart. Nisoldipine was approved by the FDA in February of 1995.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored below 30°C (86 °F) and should be protected from light and moisture.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Nisoldipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It may be used alone or in combination with other agents. Nisoldipine is also used to treat patients with angina and is being studied in patients with congestive heart failure.

DOSING: Most patients need between 20mg and 40mg once daily. Adults with advanced liver diseases or persons over the age of 65 years are often begun at a lower dose 10 mg), which may then be increased slowly for maximal effect. Some patients may benefit with doses of 60 mg/day. Others, especially those with angina, may need twice daily dosing.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Cimetidine (Tagamet) can increase blood levels of nisoldipine, possibly causing more side effects.

PREGNANCY: The effects of nisoldipine in pregnancy are unknown.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is unknown if nisoldipine appears in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Peripheral edema (swollen ankles and feet) and headache are the most common side effects of nisoldipine. Dizziness may also occur.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 6/1/1998




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.


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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Calcium Channel Blockers - Establishes the medication calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which are drugs used for treating high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
  • High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

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nisoldipine, Sular

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, which is the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

Read the High Blood Pressure Treatment article »










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