- 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.
SLIDESHOW
How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise and Tips See SlideshowWhich 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.
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.
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Related Disease Conditions
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms. Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure. The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater. If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.
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Angina
Angina is chest pain due to inadequate blood supply to the heart. Angina symptoms may include chest tightness, burning, squeezing, and aching. Coronary artery disease is the main cause of angina but there are other causes. Angina is diagnosed by taking the patient's medical history and performing tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood test, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac CT scan, and heart catheterization. Treatment of angina usually includes lifestyle modification, medication, and sometimes, surgery. The risk of angina can be reduced by following a heart healthy lifestyle.
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Things to Know About High Blood Pressure Treatment
High 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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Febrile Seizures
Febrile 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
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Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- Types of High Blood Pressure Medications
- amlodipine besylate
- Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
- nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat, Afeditab)
- nicardipine, Cardene, Cardene SR
- felodipine (Plendil)
- 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.