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.
Nisoldipine (Sular) is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
rapid weight gain
tingling of hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Less common
dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling of warmth or heat
flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
headache
rash
sweating
Rare
Chest tightness
shortness of breath
swelling of the arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, or throat
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can cause headache and swelling in the legs and feet
Interacts with grapefruit and many other medications, such as amiodarone (Pacerone) and ketoconazole
Take nisoldipine (Sular) on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Taking it with food can lower the amount of medication that gets absorbed into your body.
Swallow the nisoldipine (Sular) tablet whole. Don't chew, break, or crush them since the medication might not work as well and might cause more side effects. If you can't swallow the tablets whole, talk to your prescriber about possibly switching to a different medication.
It typically takes about a few weeks or so before you can see the full effects of nisoldipine (Sular) on your blood pressure. Don't worry if you don't see a change in your blood pressure right after you start taking the medication.
Check your blood pressure regularly at home as you continue to take nisoldipine (Sular) every day. Write down your blood pressure measurements and share them with your prescriber. Your prescriber will use these measurements to recommend any needed dose adjustments.
You might feel dizzy when you first start taking nisoldipine (Sular) and when your dose gets raised. This feeling often happens when you stand up. Be sure to get up slowly or hold onto something to prevent dizziness. You should feel less dizzy as you continue taking the medication and as you get used to your new blood pressure.
It's common to have swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or hands when you take nisoldipine (Sular). Some ways to ease the swelling include sitting or lying down with your legs raised and wearing compression socks. Talk with your prescriber for more tips on how to manage swelling from this medication.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while you're taking nisoldipine (Sular). It can make the levels of the medication in your body become too high. This can raise your risk of side effects.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the over-the-counter and prescription medications that you're taking. Nisoldipine (Sular) can interact with many medications, such as certain antifungals, clarithromycin, and carbamazepine (Tegretol). Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together.
Don't lower your nisoldipine (Sular) dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Otherwise, it can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly.
Nisoldipine (Sular) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Nisoldipine (Sular) can sometimes cause your blood pressure to drop too much. It can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect commonly happens when you start taking the medication and when your dose gets raised.
If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel too dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something stable. Let your prescriber know because they might need to adjust the dose of your medication. Get medical help right away if you fall and hit your head.
Risk factors: Severe coronary artery disease
Although rare, it's possible for some people to have worsening chest pain or have a heart attack while they're taking nisoldipine (Sular). The risk is higher if you have a heart problem called coronary artery disease (CAD). The risk for worsening chest pain or heart attack can appear when you first start taking this medication and when your dose gets raised.
Get medical help right away if you experience dizziness, anxiety, chest pain, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath, or nausea. These can be signs of chest pain or heart attack.
Risk factors: History of allergy to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)
Certain versions of nisoldipine (Sular) might contain a dye called FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine). Although rare, some people can have an allergic reaction to this ingredient.
Get medical help right away if you have hives, itching, or other signs of an allergic reaction after you take nisoldipine (Sular).
The typical starting dose is 17 mg by mouth once daily on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Your starting dose might differ if you're over 65 years old or if you have liver problems.
Your prescriber will adjust the dose based on how well the medication is working to control your blood pressure and whether you're having bothersome side effects.
The maximum dose is 34 mg by mouth per day.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Allergy to other calcium channel blockers
Chest pain (angina)
High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only
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Covid Pharma US, Inc. (2023). Sular- nisoldipine tablet, film coated, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Preuss, C. V., et al. (2023). Prescription of controlled substances: Benefits and risks. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). How safe are color additives?
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