| abstract |
Controlled release oral dosage forms containing calcium channel blockers and methods of using the same are provided for once-a-day treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, eye drops and cardiac arrhythmias. The active agent is preferably a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, such as nisoldipine. The agent increases the bioavailability of the calcium channel blocker compared to the bioavailability of the calcium channel blocker in other drug delivery agents known in the art. In one embodiment, the formulation provides an increase in the bioavailability of the calcium channel blocker, nisoldipine, as compared to the same dose of nisoldipine in the coat-core variant of the drug (SULAR®). The formulation may be in the form of a three-layer tablet containing a core or central layer and one or more barrier layers. |