Nisoldipine vs. Procardia XL for Hypertension: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Nisoldipine

(Sular)

Nifedipine ER

(Procardia XL)

Summary for Nisoldipine

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 Nisoldipine

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Pros and Cons for Nisoldipine

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 for Nisoldipine

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

Warnings for Nisoldipine

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

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)

Prices with our coupons for Nisoldipine vs. Procardia XL

Nisoldipine90 tablets / 8.5mg

$162.59$738.49

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Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)30 tablets / 30mg

$14.10$44.63

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Nisoldipine vs. Procardia XL

Nisoldipine

Nifedipine ER

Summary for Nisoldipine

Indications for Nisoldipine

Pros and Cons for Nisoldipine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nisoldipine

Warnings for Nisoldipine

Summary for Procardia XL

Indications for Procardia XL

Pros and Cons for Procardia XL

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Procardia XL

Warnings for Procardia XL

Prices with our coupons for Nisoldipine vs. Procardia XL

Browse medications by letter

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Nisoldipine

Nifedipine ER

Summary for Nisoldipine

Indications for Nisoldipine

Pros and Cons for Nisoldipine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Nisoldipine

Warnings for Nisoldipine

Summary for Procardia XL

Indications for Procardia XL

Pros and Cons for Procardia XL

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Procardia XL

Warnings for Procardia XL