What is nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nisoldipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Nisoldipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Nisoldipine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about nisoldipine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nisoldipine, or to similar medications such as amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or nimodipine (Nimotop).
Before using nisoldipine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or liver disease.
Take nisoldipine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when you take nisoldipine.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as swelling in your legs or ankles, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, or if you feel like you might pass out.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you may not know when your blood pressure is high. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
There are many other medicines that can interact with nisoldipine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nisoldipine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nisoldipine, or to similar medications such as amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), or nimodipine (Nimotop).
Before using nisoldipine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether nisoldipine is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if nisoldipine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Do not take nisoldipine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.