Sular
Properties
This medicine contains nisoldipine as active ingredient. It is a so-called calcium channel blocker, working by blocking the passage of calcium into heart and smooth muscle. Since calcium is an essential factor in muscle contraction, any medicine that affects calcium in this way will interfere with the contraction of these muscles. The medicine has no effect on calcium in the blood. The medicine works by:
• reducing the work that the heart must perform
• reducing the normal arterial blood pressure
• increasing oxygen to the heart muscle.
Prescribed for
The medicine is prescribed for:
• Treatment of attacks of angina
• Treatment of irregular heartbeat
• Treatment of high blood pressure.
In many cases the medication can be used for the treatment and prevention of migraine.
Cautions and Warnings
The drug may cause unwanted low blood pressure in some people who take it for reasons other than hypertension.
Patient taking a beta-blocker who begin taking this medication may develop an increase in episodes of angina.
This medicine may interfere with one of the mechanisms by which blood clots form, especially if you are also taking aspirin. Call your doctor if you develop unusual bruises, bleeding, or black-and-blue marks.
People with kidney disease or severe liver disease may require dosage adjustments.
Before using this medicine
Before you use this medicine check with your doctor, or pharmacist:
• if you ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any calcium channel blocker
• if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant while using this medicine
• if you have low blood pressure
• if you have kidney or liver disease
• if you are breast-feeding an infant
• if you easily get a rash or intensity sunburn in areas exposed to sun or ultraviolet light.
Treatment
This medication is used for treatment of heart conditions (for instance, angina pectoris) and high blood pressure.
Usual dosage
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen.
Adult: the usual starting dose is 20 mg once a day; the dose may be increased by 10 mg per week to a maximum of 40 mg.
Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor’s approval. Tablets, capsules or extended-release tablets should be taken with liquid.
Side effects
Along with the needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Possible side effects include:
• Tiredness
• Changes in heartbeat
• Wheezing
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Tingling in hands and feet
• Difficult urination
• Constipation
Overdose
The following symptoms may be a sign of overdose:
• Unusually fast heartbeat
• Unusually slow heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Cardiac arrest
Call a doctor or hospital emergency room for instructions. If necessary start first aid immediately.
Interactions
The effect of this medicine may cause a blood pressure drop if taken together with antihypertensives. Cimetidine may increase the effect of the calcium blocker. The simultaneous use of diuretics and calcium channel blockers may cause dangerous blood pressure drop.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking.
Storage
Capsules, tablets, etc. should be stored at room temperature; store away from heat and direct light. Keep out of reach of children, since this medicine may be dangerous in children.
