In the U.S.—

• Antihypertensive

Nisoldipine (NYE-sole-di-peen) is a calcium channel blocking agent used to treat high blood pressure. Nisoldipine affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. It relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing the heart's workload.

High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Extended-release tablets (U.S.)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For nisoldipine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to nisoldipine or any other dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocking agent. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Nisoldipine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that, at very high doses, nisoldipine may cause fetal death. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether nisoldipine passes into breast milk. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of nisoldipine in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Elderly people may have higher blood levels of nisoldipine, which may increase the chance of side effects during treatment.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

• Blood vessel disease (coronary artery disease)—Nisoldipine may cause chest pain or a heart attack

• Congestive heart failure—Nisoldipine may make this condition worse

• Liver disease—Higher blood levels of nisoldipine may result and a smaller dose may be needed

Take this medicine exactly as directed even if you feel well. Do not take more of this medicine and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. This medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To keep blood levels constant, take this medicine at the same time each day and do not miss any doses.

Swallow the tablet whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing it.

Nisoldipine should not be taken with a high-fat meal or with grapefruit juice or other grapefruit products because these may increase the levels of nisoldipine in the body.

Dosing—

The dose of nisoldipine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of nisoldipine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults—10 to 20 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to make sure the medicine is working properly and to change the dosage if needed.

This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you experience these effects.

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• More common
  • Swelling of ankles, feet, or lower legs 
  
  

• Less common
  • Chest pain;  dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting;  rash 
  
  

• Rare
  • A reaction which may include swelling of the arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, and/or throat;  shortness of breath ;  fast heart rate;  chest tightness;  dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting ;  and/or skin rash 
  
  

Other 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. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• More common
  • Headache 
  
  

• Less common
  • Dizziness;  hoarseness and/or sore throat ;  heartbeat sensations;  stuffy nose 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.