nisoldipine
General
Pronunciation:
nye-sole-di-peen
Trade Name(s)
- Sular
Ther. Class.
Pharm. Class.
Indications
Management of hypertension.
Action
Inhibits the transport of calcium into vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in inhibition of vasoconstriction and dilation of arterioles.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Systemic vasodilation, resulting in decreased BP.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well absorbed (87%) following oral administration but rapidly and extensively metabolized in the gut wall, resulting in 5% bioavailability.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Highly metabolized CYP3A4 enzyme system.
Half-life: 7–12 hr.
TIME/ACTION PROFILE (antihypertensive effects)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO | unknown | 6–12 hr | 24 hr |
Contraindication/Precautions
Contraindicated in:
- Hypersensitivity;
- Cross-sensitivity with calcium channel blockers may occur;
- Concurrent phenytoin use.
Use Cautiously in:
- HF/left ventricular dysfunction;
- Hepatic impairment (dose ↓ may be necessary);
- Coronary artery disease (may precipitate angina);
- OB: Lactation: Pedi: Safety not established;
- Geri: Dose ↓ may be necessary due to age-related ↓ in hepatic, renal or cardiac function.
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CNS: headache, dizziness
EENT: pharyngitis, sinusitis
CV: peripheral edema, chest pain, hypotension, palpitations
GI: nausea
Derm: rash
Endo: gynecomastia
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
Interactions
Drug-Drug
- Additive hypotension may occur with other antihypertensives, acute ingestion of alcohol, or nitrates.
- Antihypertensive effects may be ↓ by concurrent use of NSAIDs.
- Phenytoin or other CYP3A4 inducers ↓ blood levels and effectiveness (avoid concurrent use).
Drug-Food:
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice ↑ serum levels and effect.
- Blood levels are ↑ by concurrent ingestion of a high-fat meal and should be avoided.
Route/Dosage
PO (Adults): Extended-release tablets– 20 mg/day as a single dose initially; may be ↑ by 10 mg/day q 7 days, up to 60 mg/day (usual range 20–40 mg/day); Geomatrix extended-release tablets– 17 mg/day as a single dose initially; may be ↑ by 8.5 mg/day q 7 days, up to 34 mg/day (usual range 8.5–34 mg/day).
Hepatic Impairment
PO (Adults): Geomatrix extended-release tablets– Initial dose should not exceed 8.5 mg/day.
Availability (generic available)
Extended-release tablets: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg
Geomatrix extended-release tablets: 8.5 mg, 17 mg, 25.5 mg, 34 mg
Assessment
Monitor BP and pulse prior to therapy, during dose titration, and periodically throughout therapy. Monitor ECG periodically during prolonged therapy.
- Monitor intake and output ratios and daily weight. Assess for signs of HF (peripheral edema, rales/crackles, dyspnea, weight gain, jugular venous distention).
Lab Test Considerations:
Total serum calcium concentrations are not affected by calcium channel blockers.
Potential Diagnoses
- Decreased cardiac output (Indications)
Implementation
- PO Avoid administration within 1 hr of high-fat meals or grapefruit products.
- Do not break, crush, or chew tablets.
Patient/Family Teaching
Advise patient to take medication exactly as directed, even if feeling well. If a dose is missed, take as soon as possible unless almost time for next dose; do not double dose. May need to be discontinued gradually.
- Advise patient to avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice during therapy.
- Encourage patient to comply with other interventions for hypertension (weight reduction, low-sodium diet, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and stress management). Medication controls but does not cure hypertension.
- Instruct patient and family in proper technique for monitoring BP. Advise patient to take BP weekly and to report significant changes to health care professional.
- Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
- May cause dizziness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known.
- Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to avoid concurrent use of alcohol or OTC medications and herbal products, especially cold preparations, without consulting health care professional.
- Advise patient to notify health care professional if irregular heartbeat, dyspnea, swelling of hands and feet, pronounced dizziness, nausea, constipation, or hypotension occurs or if headache is severe or persistent.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
Decrease in BP.
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