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Nisoldipine


  • Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush them.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with nisoldipine.

About nisoldipine

Type of medicine Calcium channel blocker
Used for Hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain)
Also called Syscor MR
Available as Tablets

Nisoldipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Angina occurs when the heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen. Nisoldipine works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and allowing the heart to work more efficiently. It is a modified-release formulation which means nisoldipine is released slowly over the day to give a more even effect.

Before taking nisoldipine

Before taking nisoldipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you have suffered from a heart attack within the last week.
  • If you suffer from unstable angina (chest pain, which occurs during rest as well as during exercise).

How to take nisoldipine

  • Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not break or crush modified-release formulations, these are designed to release drug slowly over time, to give a more even effect. If they are broken too much nisoldipine may be absorbed too quickly from the gut, causing unpleasant side effects such as dizziness and fainting.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine, without speaking to your doctor first as this may worsen your condition and cause you to suffer an angina attack.
  • If you miss a dose of nisoldipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Take your medicine either with food or without food. Try to be consistent, if you normally take it with food do this every time, if you take it on an empty stomach do this every time.
  • Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with nisoldipine because this can cause you to have too much nisoldipine in your blood.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your blood pressure and pulse can be checked.

Can nisoldipine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Palpitations This usually only occurs during the first few weeks of treatment and then gets better. If it is severe or continues consult your doctor.
Feeling sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Constipation Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, green leafy vegetables, bran and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day. If it continues or becomes a problem then consult you doctor.
Headache If this happens a suitable pain-killer may be recommended by your pharmacist. If it continues or becomes a problem then consult you doctor.
Dizziness This usually only occurs during the first few weeks of treatment and then gets better. Stand up slowly from sitting and lying positions. If it continues or becomes a problem then consult you doctor.
Water retention (oedema) Swelling of the legs may occur due to fluid retention. This may get better over the first few weeks of treatment. Sit with your legs raised as often as possible. Consult your doctor if this continues.
Lethargy Try to get plenty of sleep and light exercise to help. Consult your doctor if this continues.

Other side effects include pins and needles, muscle pain, shaking, problems breathing, allergic skin reactions, increased need to pass urine, problems with vision, breast growth and gum problems.

How to store nisoldipine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1186		 DocRef:
dils2343		 Last Updated:
16 Jul 2007		 Date of Next Review:
15 Jul 2009		 Version:
22
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