nisoldipine (8.5, 17, 25.5, or 34 mg) sustained action – oral, Sular

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Nisoldipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take it on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not crush or chew the tablets unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. This medication comes in different forms and strengths. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are taking the correct dose. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication, unless instructed otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your dose may be increased gradually. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time each day, even if you feel well. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase). SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, swelling, flushing, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool, which is harmless. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Most people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any rare but serious side effects occur, such as vision changes. Some people with severe heart disease may develop worsening chest pain or a heart attack after starting this medication or increasing the dose. Get medical help right away if you experience worsening chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare but seek medical attention immediately if you have any symptoms. This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nisoldipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Do not use this medication if you have certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use if you have a certain structural heart problem or liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know you can do so safely. Limit alcohol consumption. Inform your healthcare provider if you have upcoming surgery. During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary and discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without consulting your healthcare provider. This drug should not be used with phenytoin. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using other prescription or nonprescription products. Other medications may affect how nisoldipine works. Check labels on all your medicines, as they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or heart rate. Cimetidine may interact with nisoldipine, so ask your pharmacist about other products to treat stomach acid. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.

QUESTION

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better, such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and share the results with your doctor. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for instructions. Information last revised December 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or starting or discontinuing any course of treatment.