Nisoldipine helps to keep your blood pressure under control. This medicine relaxes your blood vessels and this helps to lower your blood pressure.
Nisoldipine may also be used to treat angina (severe chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough supply of blood and oxygen).
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 this medicine 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.
If you are taking the extended-release or prolonged-release type of tablet, swallow it whole, 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 dose and course of the treatment depending on your condition.
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 antibiotics, medicines to treat fits or seizures, TB, fungal infection, HIV infection, or depression. 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, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular monitoring of your blood pressure and heart rate to check your body’s response to the medicine.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) 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 kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Nisoldipine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: headache, nausea, palpitations, swollen limbs, sore throat, cough, colds, flu, rashes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience new or worsening chest pains.
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:
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicines to treat fits or seizures e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- rifampicin (a medicine used to treat TB)
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines to treat HIV infection e.g. indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir
- nefazodone (a medicine used to treat depression)
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control e.g. atenolol, propranolol
- cimetidine (a medicine that decreases 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 grapefruit or grapefruit juice and St John’s wort.
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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