Sular

1 What is Sular?

Brand: Sular

Generic: Nisoldipine

Sular is a calcium channel blocker used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat hypertension. Hypertension adds to the workload of the heart and arteries which can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.

The risk of heart attacks may decrease by this drug. If blood pressure is controlled, these consequences are less likely to happen.

This drug works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels which results in relaxation of blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Sular, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of nisoldipine have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the utility of nicardipine.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Primidone
  • Amiodarone
  • Ceritinib
  • Clarithromycin
  • Clopidogrel
  • Cobicistat
  • Dabrafenib
  • Dantrolene
  • Fluconazole
  • Idelalisib
  • Lacosamide
  • Mibefradil
  • Nilotinib
  • Piperaquine
  • Cimetidine
  • Dalfopristin
  • Digoxin
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Indinavir
  • Phenytoin
  • Quinidine
  • Quinupristin
  • or Rifampin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, low blood pressure, or liver disease.

3 Proper Usage

To use Sular properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. The treatment of hypertension may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium.

Consult with your healthcare professional before changing your diet. Hypertensive patients usually feel normal and will only feel the symptoms when extensive damage already occurred. Compliance with your drugs and regular checkups are important to control your hypertension.

You may have to do this for the rest of your life, since it can cause serious problems, such as:

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with hypertension are given 10 to 20 milligrams once a day. Your healthcare professional may increase your dose if necessary.

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions To Take

Before using Sular, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

It is recommended to monitor your blood pressure at home. Call your healthcare professional immediately if you notice any changes to your recommended blood pressure.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of hypotension such as blurred vision, confusion, severe dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly, sweating, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting has been associated with the use of this drug. Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

This drug should not be taken with a high-fat meal or with grapefruit juice or other grapefruit products since these may increase the levels of nisoldipine in the body.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Sular. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

  • Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Tingling of hands or feet
  • Unusual weight gains or loss
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness, or fainting fast
  • Irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • Feeling of warmth or heat
  • Flushing or redness of skin
  • Especially on face and neck
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Sweating
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Swelling of the arms, face, legs, lips, tongue, or throat

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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