Nisoldipine tablets

What is this medicine?

NISOLDIPINE (NYE sole di peen) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew. Do not take this medicine with a high fat meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness, fainting spells, confusion, or light headedness

• fast heartbeat, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat

• muscle cramps

• reduced amount of urine passed

• swelling of the legs or ankles

• swelling of the gums

• unusual tiredness or fatigue

• unusual rash or skin reaction

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• decreased sexual function

• facial or skin flushing

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

• weakness or tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturates like phenobarbital

• cimetidine

• grapefruit juice

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin

• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart problems, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat

• kidney or liver disease

• previous heart attack

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nisoldipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.