Nisoldipine XR Is an Extended-Release Calcium Channel Blocker Used to Treat High Blood Pressure in Adults

If your doctor has prescribed Nisoldipine XR — or you've seen it mentioned as a treatment option for hypertension — you probably have questions. What is it? How does it work? What makes it different from other blood pressure medications? This guide covers everything you need to know about Nisoldipine XR in 2026, from its FDA-approved uses to dosing, costs, and important safety information.

What Is Nisoldipine XR?

Nisoldipine XR is a prescription medication in the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) class. It was originally sold under the brand name Sular, which has since been discontinued (not for safety reasons — the FDA confirmed in 2014 that the withdrawal was a business decision). Today, Nisoldipine XR is available only as a generic, manufactured primarily by Emcure Pharmaceuticals USA.

The "XR" stands for extended-release, meaning the medication is designed to release slowly throughout the day so you only need to take it once daily.

You may see it referred to by several names: Nisoldipine, Nisoldipine XR, Nisoldipine ER, Nisoldipine extended-release, Sular, or generic Sular. They're all the same active ingredient.

What Is Nisoldipine XR Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

Nisoldipine XR is FDA-approved for treating hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults. It can be used alone or combined with other blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, or diuretics.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors prescribe Nisoldipine XR off-label for:

• Stable angina — chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart
• Prinzmetal (variant) angina — chest pain caused by spasms in the coronary arteries

Off-label use means the medication hasn't been specifically FDA-approved for that condition, but your doctor may determine it's appropriate based on clinical evidence.

Is It a Controlled Substance?

No. Nisoldipine XR is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It doesn't carry any risk of addiction or dependence.

How Is Nisoldipine XR Taken?

Nisoldipine XR comes as an extended-release tablet in several strengths:

• 8.5 mg, 17 mg, 25.5 mg, 34 mg (hydrogel formulation)
• 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg (original ER formulation)

Typical Dosing

• Starting dose: 17 mg once daily (or 8.5 mg for elderly patients or those with liver disease)
• Maintenance dose: 17-34 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: 34 mg/day (hydrogel) or 40 mg/day (original ER)

Important Instructions

• Take on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal
• Swallow the tablet whole — do not crush, chew, or split it
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice — grapefruit can increase Nisoldipine XR levels by 3-7 times, which can be dangerous
• Avoid high-fat meals around the time you take it — fat significantly alters absorption
• Dose adjustments are typically made at weekly intervals based on blood pressure response

For details on how Nisoldipine XR works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.

Who Should Not Take Nisoldipine XR?

Nisoldipine XR is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• An allergy to Nisoldipine or any other dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (such as Amlodipine, Nifedipine, or Felodipine)
• Regular grapefruit consumption that you cannot eliminate — grapefruit increases drug levels to potentially dangerous amounts

Use with Caution

Your doctor should know if you have:

• Liver disease — Nisoldipine XR concentrations are 4-5 times higher in people with cirrhosis, requiring lower starting doses and dose caps
• GERD or hiatal hernia — Nisoldipine XR can affect the esophageal sphincter
• Pregnancy — no adequate studies exist; ACOG prefers Nifedipine for pregnant women needing a calcium channel blocker
• Breastfeeding — Nisoldipine may be excreted in breast milk; use is generally not recommended

Nisoldipine XR has no FDA boxed warning. For a full list of potential side effects, read our side effects guide.

How Much Does Nisoldipine XR Cost?

Nisoldipine XR is one of the more expensive calcium channel blockers, mainly because it has limited generic manufacturers:

• Retail price (without insurance): $130 to over $500 per month for 30 tablets, depending on the strength and pharmacy
• With discount coupons (GoodRx, SingleCare): approximately $130-$150 per month
• With insurance: Typically Tier 2 or Tier 3 copay. Some plans may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying a less expensive CCB like Amlodipine first).

By comparison, Amlodipine — the most widely prescribed calcium channel blocker — costs $4-$10 per month as a generic. This price difference is one reason Nisoldipine XR isn't prescribed as frequently.

There are no manufacturer savings programs currently available for Nisoldipine XR (the brand Sular is discontinued). However, you can find coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance options to help reduce costs.

How Does Nisoldipine XR Compare to Other CCBs?

Nisoldipine XR belongs to the same drug class as several other calcium channel blockers. Here's how it compares:

• Amlodipine (Norvasc): Most widely prescribed CCB. Once daily, very affordable ($4-$10/month generic), well-studied, fewer food interactions. Usually tried first.
• Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL, Adalat CC): Extended-release, similar mechanism, widely available generic ($8-$20/month with coupons). Another common first-line option.
• Felodipine (Plendil): Similar dihydropyridine, once daily dosing. Also has grapefruit interaction. Generic available.

Your doctor may prescribe Nisoldipine XR if you haven't responded well to other CCBs or if there's a specific clinical reason to choose it. For a deeper comparison, see our guide on alternatives to Nisoldipine XR.

Final Thoughts

Nisoldipine XR is a well-established blood pressure medication that works effectively for many patients. While it's not the most commonly prescribed calcium channel blocker — and it comes with some unique requirements like avoiding grapefruit and taking it on an empty stomach — it's a legitimate option for hypertension management.

The main challenges in 2026 are availability and cost. With limited manufacturers and no brand version, finding it at pharmacies can take some effort. But tools like Medfinder can help you locate it, and discount programs can make it more affordable.

If you have questions about whether Nisoldipine XR is the right medication for you, talk to your doctor. And if you're having trouble finding it, you're not alone — check out our guide on how to find Nisoldipine XR in stock near you.