Nisoldipine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Sular

Before Using This Medicine

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.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of nisoldipine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• 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