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Nisoldipine

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Nisoldipine is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing strain on the cardiovascular system.

Quick summary

Nisoldipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
C08CA07
RxNorm
7435
Generic
Nisoldipine
Class
atc-c08
Brands
Sular
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
1-2mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
not typically recommended
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
N/A
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
1mg once daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Doses above 40-50 mg may cause significant toxicity in adults
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use exceeding recommended daily doses may lead to cumulative cardiovascular effects including severe hypotension
Immediate actions
Monitor vital signs, establish IV access, place patient in supine position with legs elevated, gastric decontamination if within 1-2 hours of ingestion
Antidote
Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride(Effective in reversing hypotension and cardiac depression due to calcium channel blocker overdose)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring recommended

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and blood pressure monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus, consider alternative closer to delivery

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug

Monitor

monitor infant for signs of hypotension

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

start at lower dose

Key Recommendations

initiate therapy at low dose, titrate slowly, monitor for excessive hypotension

Monitor

regular blood pressure monitoring, monitor for orthostatic symptoms

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

monitor renal function and blood pressure closely, dose adjustment may be required

Monitor

regular monitoring of renal function and blood pressure

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

dose reduction recommended

Key Recommendations

reduce dose in moderate hepatic impairment, avoid in severe hepatic impairment

Monitor

regular liver function tests and blood pressure monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1990s

General prescribing information

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine)

Drug class information

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Common therapeutic uses

pharmacologyFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Blocks L-type calcium channels

Pharmacological mechanism

Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). May be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents when single-agent therapy is insufficient.

Nisoldipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist that selectively inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium into vascular smooth muscle cells. This causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, resulting in vasodilation and decreased peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to lowered blood pressure.

Common side effects may include peripheral edema, headache, dizziness, and flushing. Grapefruit juice may increase drug levels and should be avoided. As with other dihydropyridines, it may cause reflex tachycardia. Use with caution in patients with heart failure or severe aortic stenosis. Always follow prescribed dosing and do not discontinue abruptly without medical advice.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy