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Compare Procardia XL vs. Sular

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL) and nisoldipine (Sular) are both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) used to treat high blood pressure. However, there are some key differences between the two. Nifedipine ER is also approved to treat chest pain (angina), while nisoldipine is not. Nifedipine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, whereas nisoldipine is only available as an extended-release tablet. Nifedipine ER can be taken with or without food, but nisoldipine should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. Both medications can cause swelling in the legs and feet, but nisoldipine is noted to cause headaches more frequently. Additionally, nisoldipine tends to be more expensive than nifedipine ER, even in its generic form.

  • Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
    Nisoldipine (Sular)
  • Nifedipine er (Procardia XL)
    Nisoldipine (Sular)

  • Summary of Procardia XL vs. Sular

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Nifedipine (Procardia, Procardia XL) is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It's used to treat certain heart conditions, such as chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure in adults. It mainly works by relaxing your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow. Nifedipine is available as an extended-release pill (ER) that's taken by mouth once daily, and a immediate-release pill (IR) that's taken three times a day. Keep in mind the nifedipine IR is rarely prescribed. Some side effects of nifedipine include swelling in the legs, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Nisoldipine (Sular) is a type of blood pressure medication called a calcium channel blocker. It treats high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The extended-release tablets are taken by mouth once per day on an empty stomach. Some side effects include swelling in the arms or legs and headache. Nisoldipine (Sular) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Procardia XL vs. Sular

    Indications for
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Pros and Cons of Procardia XL vs. Sular

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in people with high blood pressure
    •Can take it alone or with other medications to help with blood pressure or chest pain
    •Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine ER (Procardia XL), work especially well for Black people to lower blood pressure
    •The extended-release tablets are taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Often causes swelling in the legs and feet
    •Not a good choice if you have heart failure because of risk for swelling
    •If you have severe heart disease, it can raise your risk of having a heart attack or worsening chest pain
    •The immediate-release capsule needs to be taken 3 to 4 times a day
    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Can take together with other blood pressure medications
    Cons
    •Can cause headache and swelling in the legs and feet
    •Interacts with grapefruit and many other medications, such as amiodarone (Pacerone) and ketoconazole

  • Common Side Effects of Procardia XL vs. Sular

    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release tablets:

    •Swelling (edema) in the legs, feet, or hands (10-30%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)

    Immediate-release capsules:

    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (27%)
    •Flushing (25%)
    •Headache (23%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Swelling (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands (22%)
    •Headache (22%)

  • Warnings of Procardia XL vs. Sular

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of worsening chest pain or heart attack
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Swelling in legs and feet
    •Stomach or intestinal injury (extended-release form only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severely low blood pressure
    •Risk of heart attack and chest pain
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Procardia XL vs. Sular

    Learn more about Nifedipine er
    Learn more about Nisoldipine

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