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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)

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Nisoldipine

(Sular)

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Summary for Procardia XL

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.

Indications for Procardia XL

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

Pros and Cons for Procardia XL

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

Common Side Effects for Procardia XL

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%)

Warnings for Procardia XL

  • 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)

Summary for Sular

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 for Sular

Pros and Cons for Sular

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sular

  • Swelling in the legs, feet, or hands (22%)
  • Headache (22%)

Warnings for Sular

  • Severely low blood pressure
  • Risk of heart attack and chest pain
  • Allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Procardia XL vs. Sular

Price Card Drug Icon
Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)30 tablets / 30mg
$13.60$44.85
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Price Card Drug Icon
Nisoldipine90 tablets / 8.5mg
$151.25$729.39
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