Uses
What is isradipine used for?
Isradipine is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Isradipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does isradipine work (mechanism of action)?
Isradipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is isradipine supplied (dosage forms)?
Isradipine is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 2.5 mg oral capsules
- 5 mg oral capsules
How should I store isradipine?
Isradipine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of isradipine?
The most common side effects of isradipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
- Hot or warm feeling in your face (flushing)
- Nausea or vomiting
There may be other side effects of isradipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of isradipine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of isradipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Isradipine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Severe Allergic Reactions. Isradipine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking isradipine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use isradipine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take isradipine.
- Dynacirc
- Isradipine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific isradipine products they stock.
What should I know about isradipine before using it?
Do not take isradipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share isradipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep isradipine out of the reach of children.
Isradipine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how isradipine affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using isradipine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if isradipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how isradipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take isradipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if isradipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop isradipine.
Interactions
Does isradipine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between isradipine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect isradipine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking isradipine.
Does isradipine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking isradipine.
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
- Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with isradipine. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much isradipine?
If you or someone else has used too much isradipine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of isradipine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Isradipine (Dynacirc)?
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