Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

NISOLDIPINE SUSTAINED ACTION - ORAL

(niss-OHL-dih-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sular

Uses

This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nisoldipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

OTHER

Uses

This medication may also be used for chest pain (angina).

How To Use

May be taken with or without food usually once daily. Do not take with a high fat meal. Do not chew, divide or crush. Tablets should be swallowed whole preferably with a full glass of water. Do not stop taking suddenly.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and allow your body to adjust. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, sweating and sleep disturbances. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, rash, swelling of the hands or feet, weight gain, chest pain, irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take this drug. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, heart failure, allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit using alcohol while taking this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription drugs you use, especially of: other blood pressure medication, intravenous (IV) calcium, cimetidine, phenytoin. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.

Notes

Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) and away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).