Nisoldipine is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control. It relaxes your blood vessels which helps to lower your blood pressure.
Take Nisoldipine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as an extended-release tablet.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush it.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Nisoldipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Nisoldipine with certain medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) and TB (an infection known as tuberculosis). Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves), abnormally thick heart muscle
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Nisoldipine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of heart failure may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Nisoldipine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, sore throat, and rash.
This medicine may cause swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. To reduce swelling in the ankles or feet, elevate your legs by putting a pillow under your feet when lying down.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- new or worsening chest pain
- shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, weight gain, swelling of the ankles or feet
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Nisoldipine with the following medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- rifampicin (medicine used to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nisoldipine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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