NISOLDIPINE
In this session, we will be discussing the consumer medication information for nisoldipine, trade name SularTM.
What it’s for & How to take
Nisoldipine relaxes the blood vessels in your heart as well as the rest of your body. Your heart rate may be decreased, and your heart will not need to work as hard to pump blood.
This medication is used alone, or in combination with other medications, to treat high blood pressure.
Nisoldipine is in a category of medications called calcium channel blockers.
If high blood pressure is not treated, your blood vessels will harden, and this will eventually lead to a heart attack or a stroke. High blood pressure may also cause vision problems, kidney failure and eventually heart failure.
Nisoldipine is usually taken once daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken on an empty stomach or with a low-fat meal. Do not take this medication within 1 hour before or 2 hours after a high-fat meal. Taking nisoldipine with a high-fat meal may cause your body to absorb the medication too fast and cause immediate side effects.
Take nisoldipine at the same time each day with a full glass of water. Swallow nisoldipine whole, do not crush or chew it. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects. Don’t worry if you notice the tablet shell in your stool; the medication has already been absorbed by your body.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip it and continue with your normal dose time. Do not take a double dose to make up the missed dose.
Keep using this medication, even if you don’t feel sick. You may need to treat your high blood pressure for many years.
Your blood pressure should be checked often to make sure the medication is working correctly.
Warnings & Cautions
- If you have ever been told you have any heart problems, such as aortic stenosis, please let you doctor know before you start this medication.
- Blood pressure medication may make you feel light-headed, dizzy, drowsy or blur your vision. Take it slow when you go from a sitting to standing position. Balance yourself to make sure you are stable before taking a step.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking nisoldipine. Grapefruit may increase the level of this medication in your body and cause dangerous side effects.
- Do not drive or do any activity that requires focus and attention until you are sure you can do them safely. Limit alcoholic beverages while taking nisoldipine.
- The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially the drowsiness and dizziness.
- Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking nisoldipine.
Interactions & Side Effects
- Tell your pharmacist or doctor all your medication allergies so they may determine if nisoldipine is safe for you to take.
- Avoid dangerous drug interactions. Tell your pharmacist or doctor all the other medication you are taking, including over the counter supplements, even if you don’t take them very often.
- Ask your doctor if this medication is safe to take with your current health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any abnormal heartbeat, liver or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, or a history of low blood pressure.
- While taking this medication, you may feel light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, flushing and possibly a headache. If these or any other unwanted side effects persist, contact your doctor or pharmacist to talk about it with them.
- Call your doctor right away if you feel any severe dizziness or fainting, very slow heartbeat, swelling in your feet or ankles, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain.
- Call emergency 911 if you have any symptoms of a heart attack such as chest and left arm pain, shortness of breath and sweating or if you have symptoms of a stroke such as weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, and confusion.
If you have any questions about what you have heard, contact your pharmacist or doctor. This session does not include all the potential interactions or side effects that this medication may cause. Ask your pharmacist how your medication should be stored and how you should dispose of it when you are done taking it. Do not share your medication with anyone, ever. Remember, this is not meant to replace your counseling session with your pharmacist. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Updated 7/20