Nisoldipine

Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults.

Nisoldipine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may sometimes change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take nisoldipine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked frequently.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Continue using all your blood pressure medications as directed, even if you feel fine. Read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

You should not use nisoldipine if you are allergic to nisoldipine or to similar medications like amlodipine, felodipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, or nimodipine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• coronary artery disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• liver disease;
• an allergy to yellow food dye; or
• asthma, or a severe allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, wheezing, shortness of breath) after taking aspirin.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using nisoldipine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Nisoldipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
• fast heartbeats; or
• sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech.

You may have new or worsening chest pain when you first start taking nisoldipine or whenever your dose is changed.

Common side effects of nisoldipine may include:

• swelling;
• headache;
• dizziness; or
• flushing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Slow release (old formulation):-Initial dose: 20 mg orally once a day-Maintenance dose: 10 to 60 mg orally once a day-Maximum dose: 60 mg/dayControlled release (new formulation):-Initial dose: 17 mg orally once a day-Maintenance dose: 8.5 to 34 mg orally once a day-Maximum dose: 34 mg/dayComment: This drug has been used with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers.Use: Alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents for the treatment of hypertension

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:

Slow release (old formulation):-Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day-Maintenance dose: 10 to 60 mg orally once a day-Maximum dose: 60 mg/dayControlled release (new formulation):-Initial dose: 8.5 mg orally once a day-Maintenance dose: 8.5 to 34 mg orally once a day-Maximum dose: 34 mg/dayComments:-Dosing should be performed with caution.-This drug has been used with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers.-Blood pressure should be closely monitored during dose adjustments.Use: Alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents for the treatment of hypertension

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Grapefruit may interact with nisoldipine and lead to unwanted side effects.
• Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Sometimes, it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change how much of another drug is in your blood, which may lead to more side effects or make the medications work less effectively.

Make sure to inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any you begin or stop using, especially any other blood pressure medicines.

Many drugs can affect nisoldipine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicine you begin or stop using.