Hypertension, chronic:
Note: For patients who warrant combination therapy (BP >20/10 mm Hg above goal or suboptimal response to initial monotherapy), may use in combination with another appropriate agent (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, thiazide diuretic) (Ref).
Sular (Geomatrix delivery system): Oral: Initial: 17 mg once daily; evaluate response after ~2 to 4 weeks and titrate dose as needed by 8.5 mg/dose up to 34 mg once daily; antihypertensive effect attenuates with higher doses and adverse effects may become more prominent; if additional BP control is needed, consider combination therapy. Patients with severe asymptomatic hypertension and no signs of acute end organ damage should be evaluated for medication titration within 1 week (Ref).
Nisoldipine ER tablet (original formulation): Oral: Initial: 20 mg once daily; evaluate response after ~2 to 4 weeks and titrate dose as needed by 10 mg/dose up to 40 mg once daily; antihypertensive effect attenuates with higher doses and adverse effects may become more prominent; if additional BP control is needed, consider combination therapy. Patients with severe asymptomatic hypertension and no signs of acute end organ damage should be evaluated for medication titration within 1 week (Ref).
Conversion from nisoldipine extended release (original formulation) to Sular Geomatrix delivery system:
Original ER Formulation |
Sular Extended Release (Geomatrix delivery system) |
---|---|
10 mg |
8.5 mg |
20 mg |
17 mg |
30 mg |
25.5 mg |
40 mg |
34 mg |
Mild to moderate impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary .
Severe impairment: No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer's labeling.
Sular (Geomatrix delivery system): Oral: Initial dose should not exceed 8.5 mg once daily.
Nisoldipine extended release (original formulation): Oral: Initial dose should not exceed 10 mg once daily.
Hypertension:
Sular (Geomatrix delivery system): Oral: Initial dose: 8.5 mg once daily.
Nisoldipine extended release (original formulation): Oral: Initial dose: 10 mg once daily.
Conversion from nisoldipine extended release (original formulation) to Sular Geomatrix delivery system: Refer to adult dosing.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (7% to 27%)
Nervous system: Headache (22%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Chest pain (2%), exacerbation of angina pectoris (2%), palpitations (3%), vasodilation (4%)
Dermatologic: Skin rash (2%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (2%)
Nervous system: Dizziness (5% to 7%)
Respiratory: Pharyngitis (5%), sinusitis (3%)
Frequency not defined: Cardiovascular: Severe initial hypotension (or with upward titration)
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Acute myocardial infarction (Estacio 1998), flushing (Friedel 1988), orthostatic hypotension (Friedel 1988), tachycardia (Campo 2001)
Dermatologic: Psoriasis (Song 2021), skin photosensitivity
Endocrine & metabolic: Weight gain (edematous) (Friedel 1988)
Gastrointestinal: Constipation (Friedel 1988), diarrhea (Friedel 1988), dyspepsia (Campo 2001), gingival hyperplasia (Tajani 2008), xerostomia (Friedel 1988)
Hepatic: Abnormal hepatic function tests
Hypersensitivity: Angioedema, hypersensitivity reaction
Nervous system: Anxiety (Friedel 1988), asthenia (Friedel 1988), fatigue (Friedel 1988), tremor (Friedel 1988)
Respiratory: Asthma (Friedel 1988), dyspnea (Friedel 1988)
Hypersensitivity to nisoldipine, any component of the formulation, or other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Angina/MI: Increased angina and/or MI has occurred with initiation or dosage titration of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Reflex tachycardia may occur resulting in angina and/or MI in patients with obstructive coronary disease, especially in the absence of concurrent beta-blockade.
• Hypotension/syncope: Symptomatic hypotension with or without syncope can rarely occur; blood pressure must be lowered at a rate appropriate for the patient's clinical condition. Monitor closely during initial dosing and with dosage adjustment.
• Peripheral edema: The most common side effect is peripheral edema; occurs within 2 to 3 weeks of starting therapy.
Disease-related concerns:
• Aortic stenosis: Use with caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
• Heart failure (HF): The ACC/AHA heart failure guidelines recommend to avoid use in patients with heart failure due to lack of benefit and/or worse outcomes with calcium channel blockers in general (FDA 2015).
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment; lower starting dose required.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: Use with caution in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction since reduction in afterload may worsen symptoms associated with this condition (AHA/ACC [Ommen 2024]).
Dosage form specific issues:
• Tartrazine: Some dosage forms contain tartrazine, which may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals (eg, aspirin hypersensitivity).
Special populations:
• Older adult: Use with caution in patients >65 years of age; lower starting dose recommended.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour, Oral:
Sular: 8.5 mg
Sular: 17 mg [contains fd&c yellow #5 (tartrazine)]
Sular: 34 mg
Generic: 8.5 mg, 17 mg, 20 mg, 25.5 mg, 30 mg, 34 mg, 40 mg
Yes
Tablet, 24-hour (Nisoldipine ER Oral)
8.5 mg (per each): $6.14
17 mg (per each): $7.70
20 mg (per each): $16.45
25.5 mg (per each): $8.39
30 mg (per each): $17.94
34 mg (per each): $8.39
40 mg (per each): $17.94
Tablet, 24-hour (Sular Oral)
8.5 mg (per each): $37.93
17 mg (per each): $37.93
34 mg (per each): $37.93
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Oral: Administer at the same time each day to ensure minimal fluctuation of serum levels. Avoid high-fat diet. Administer on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Swallow whole; do not crush, break, split, or chew.
Bariatric surgery: Tablet, extended release: Some institutions may have specific protocols that conflict with these recommendations; refer to institutional protocols as appropriate. No alternative formulations are available. If safety and efficacy of nifedipine can be effectively monitored, no change in formulation or administration is required after bariatric surgery; however, selection of alternative therapy should be considered for off-label variant angina indication.
Hypertension, chronic: Management of hypertension.
Nisoldipine may be confused with NIFEdipine, niMODipine
Substrate of CYP3A4 (Major with inhibitors), CYP3A4 (Minor with inducers); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential;
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Alfuzosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Amphetamines: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor
Arginine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Atosiban: Calcium Channel Blockers may increase adverse/toxic effects of Atosiban. Specifically, there may be an increased risk for pulmonary edema and/or dyspnea. Risk C: Monitor
Barbiturates: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Benperidol: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Brigatinib: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Brigatinib may increase bradycardic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Brimonidine (Topical): May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Bromperidol: May decrease hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Bromperidol. Risk X: Avoid
Calcium Salts: May decrease therapeutic effects of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor
Cimetidine: May increase serum concentration of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor
Clofazimine: May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor
CycloSPORINE (Systemic): Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine) may increase serum concentration of CycloSPORINE (Systemic). CycloSPORINE (Systemic) may increase serum concentration of Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine). Risk C: Monitor
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
Dantrolene: May increase hyperkalemic effects of Calcium Channel Blockers. Dantrolene may increase negative inotropic effects of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk X: Avoid
Dapoxetine: May increase orthostatic hypotensive effects of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor
Dexmethylphenidate: May decrease therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Diazoxide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of DULoxetine. Risk C: Monitor
Flunarizine: May increase therapeutic effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor patients closely for increased adverse effects of the CYP3A4 substrate. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Grapefruit Juice: May increase serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Increasing Effects: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Herbal Products with Blood Pressure Lowering Effects: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Iloperidone: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Indoramin: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Inhalational Anesthetics: May increase hypotensive effects of Calcium Channel Blockers. Risk C: Monitor
Isocarboxazid: May increase antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk X: Avoid
Itraconazole: May increase serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
Ketoconazole (Systemic): May increase serum concentration of Nisoldipine. Risk X: Avoid
Levodopa-Foslevodopa: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Levodopa-Foslevodopa. Risk C: Monitor
Loop Diuretics: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Lormetazepam: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Magnesium Sulfate: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine). Specifically, the risk of hypotension or muscle weakness may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Melatonin: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine). Risk C: Monitor
Metergoline: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase orthostatic hypotensive effects of Metergoline. Risk C: Monitor
Methylphenidate: May decrease antihypertensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Molsidomine: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Naftopidil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Neuromuscular-Blocking Agents (Nondepolarizing): Calcium Channel Blockers may increase neuromuscular-blocking effects of Neuromuscular-Blocking Agents (Nondepolarizing). Risk C: Monitor
Nicergoline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Nicorandil: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Nitroprusside. Risk C: Monitor
Obinutuzumab: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Pentoxifylline: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Perazine: May increase hypotensive effects of Antihypertensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Pholcodine. Risk C: Monitor
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Prazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Prazosin. Risk C: Monitor
Prostacyclin Analogues: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Quinagolide: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Silodosin: May increase hypotensive effects of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Risk C: Monitor
Sincalide: Drugs that Affect Gallbladder Function may decrease therapeutic effects of Sincalide. Management: Consider discontinuing drugs that may affect gallbladder motility prior to the use of sincalide to stimulate gallbladder contraction. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Tacrolimus (Systemic): Calcium Channel Blockers (Dihydropyridine) may increase serum concentration of Tacrolimus (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor
Terazosin: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Terazosin. Risk C: Monitor
Urapidil: Antihypertensive Agents may increase hypotensive effects of Urapidil. Risk C: Monitor
Peak concentrations of nisoldipine may be significantly increased if taken with high-lipid foods; however, total exposure (AUC) may be reduced. Grapefruit juice has been shown to significantly increase the bioavailability of nisoldipine. Management: Take on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Avoid a high-fat diet. Avoid grapefruit products before and after dosing.
Medications considered acceptable for the treatment of chronic hypertension during pregnancy may generally be used in patients trying to conceive. Nisoldipine is not considered a preferred agent for use in pregnant patients; consider transitioning to a preferred agent in patients planning to become pregnant (ACC/AHA [Whelton 2018]; ACOG 2019; NICE 2019).
Chronic maternal hypertension is associated with adverse events in the fetus/infant. Chronic maternal hypertension may increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, premature delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Actual fetal/neonatal risks may be related to the duration and severity of maternal hypertension. Untreated chronic hypertension may also increase the risks of adverse maternal outcomes, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, delivery complications, stroke, and myocardial infarction (ACOG 2019).
Patients with preexisting hypertension may continue their medication during pregnancy unless contraindications exist (ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018]). When treatment of hypertension is initiated during pregnancy, agents other than nisoldipine may be preferred (ACOG 2019; ESC [Cífková 2020]; ESC [Regitz-Zagrosek 2018], SOGC [Magee 2022]).
It is not known if nisoldipine is present in breast milk.
The manufacturer recommends a decision be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, considering the importance of treatment to the mother.
Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Avoid grapefruit juice before and after dosing. Avoid grapefruit juice; avoid high-fat diet.
Blood pressure; heart rate; peripheral edema.
As a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, structurally similar to nifedipine, nisoldipine impedes the movement of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Dihydropyridines are potent vasodilators and are not as likely to suppress cardiac contractility and slow cardiac conduction as other calcium antagonists such as verapamil and diltiazem; nisoldipine is 5-10 times as potent a vasodilator as nifedipine.
Duration: >24 hours
Absorption: Well absorbed. Peak concentrations significantly increased with high-lipid meals; however, AUC is reduced.
Protein binding: >99%
Metabolism: Extensively hepatic; 1 active metabolite (10% of activity of parent); first-pass effect
Bioavailability: ~5%
Half-life elimination: 9 to 18 hours
Time to peak: 4 to 14 hours
Excretion: Urine (60% to 80% as inactive metabolites); feces
Altered kidney function: Dosage adjustments are not needed in patients with mild to moderate renal function impairment.
Hepatic function impairment: Liver cirrhosis: Increased plasma concentrations. Use lower starting and maintenance doses.
Older adult: Higher nisoldipine plasma concentrations (Cmax and AUC) have been found in elderly patients.