Nisoldipine
Hypertension, Variant Angina Pectoris
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Nisoldipine
Summary
Nisoldipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by inhibiting the influx of calcium into vascular and cardiac muscle, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces the heart's workload. This lowers blood pressure.
The usual dosage for adults is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily, taken orally. Doses beyond 60 mg once daily are not recommended.
Common side effects include headache, excessive tiredness, dizziness, and upset stomach. Serious side effects include swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting, and rash.
Nisoldipine should not be taken if you are allergic to dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. It should be used cautiously in patients with heart failure or compromised ventricular function. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice as it can increase the drug's effectiveness.
Indications and Purpose
How does Nisoldipine work?
Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker that inhibits the influx of calcium into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. This results in the dilation of arterioles, reducing peripheral vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure.
Is Nisoldipine effective?
Nisoldipine has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure in several double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies. It reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressures over a 24-hour period, demonstrating sustained antihypertensive effects.
What is Nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. This helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine is used for long-term management of high blood pressure. It controls high blood pressure but does not cure it, so it is typically taken continuously as prescribed by a doctor.
How do I take Nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid taking it with high-fat foods or grapefruit juice, as these can affect the medication's effectiveness.
How long does it take for Nisoldipine to start working?
Maximal plasma concentrations of Nisoldipine are reached at approximately 9.2 hours after administration, indicating when the medication begins to exert its effects.
How should I store Nisoldipine?
Store Nisoldipine in the container it came in, tightly closed, at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and do not store it in the bathroom.
What is the usual dose of Nisoldipine?
The usual maintenance dosage for adults is 20 mg to 40 mg once daily. Doses beyond 60 mg once daily are not recommended. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Always follow your doctor's advice for the correct dosage.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Nisoldipine with other prescription drugs?
Nisoldipine should not be taken with grapefruit juice, as it can increase the drug's bioavailability. Coadministration with phenytoin should be avoided as it lowers nisoldipine plasma concentrations. Cimetidine can increase nisoldipine levels, while ranitidine does not significantly interact.
Can Nisoldipine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It is not known whether Nisoldipine is excreted in human milk. A decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.
Can Nisoldipine be taken safely while pregnant?
Nisoldipine is categorized as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine does not specifically limit the ability to exercise. However, it can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which might affect physical activity. If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor before continuing with exercise.
Is Nisoldipine safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may have higher plasma concentrations of Nisoldipine, so dosing should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range. Their blood pressure should be monitored closely during any dosage adjustment.
Who should avoid taking Nisoldipine?
Nisoldipine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. It should be used cautiously in patients with heart failure or compromised ventricular function. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase the drug's bioavailability.
