Nisoldipine tablets

What are nisoldipine tablets?

NISOLDIPINE (Sular®) is a calcium-channel blocker. It relaxes blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Nisoldipine reduces blood pressure and may reduce attacks of chest pain if you have angina. It is not a cure. Generic nisoldipine tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take nisoldipine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart problems, including heart failure or aortic stenosis

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• persistent chest pain

• previous heart attack

• slow or irregular heartbeat

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nisoldipine, dihydropyridines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take nisoldipine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. The tablets should not be chewed, divided, or crushed. Do not take nisoldipine with grapefruit juice, grapefruit, or with a high-fat meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except when advised by your prescriber.

Older patients (over 65 years old) may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with nisoldipine?

Do not take Nisoldipine with any of the following:

• grapefruit juice

Nisoldipine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)

• barbiturates such as phenobarbital

• bosentan

• cimetidine

• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills

• herbal or dietary supplements such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice

• imatinib, STI-571

• local anesthetics or general anesthetics

• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS

• medicines for prostate problems

• medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)

• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin

• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)

• some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine, verapamil)

• some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)

• water pills (diuretics)

• yohimbine

• zafirlukast

• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking nisoldipine?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking nisoldipine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her. Do not stop taking nisoldipine except as advised by your prescriber.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how nisoldipine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking nisoldipine.

What side effects may I notice from taking nisoldipine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fast heartbeat, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness, fainting spells, confusion, or lightheadedness

• impaired sexual function

• muscle cramps

• reduced amount of urine passed

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• swelling of the gums

• unusual tiredness or fatigue

• unusual rash or skin reaction

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• facial or skin flushing

• headache

• nasal congestion

• nausea or vomiting

• weakness or tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.