Isradipine

Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker that treats high blood pressure.

Isradipine is sometimes used along with a diuretic or "water pill."

Isradipine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before your blood pressure improves.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Use all your blood pressure medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you take.

You should not use isradipine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• congestive heart failure;
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of isradipine.

It is not known whether isradipine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using isradipine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Isradipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling feeling);
• tiredness; or
• heart problems—swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Common side effects of isradipine may include:

• flushing;
• headache, dizziness;
• swelling;
• fast heartbeats; or
• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose:Immediate-release capsules: 2.5 mg orally twice a dayControlled-release tablets: 5 mg orally once a dayMaintenance dose: The dose may be adjusted as needed and tolerated in increments of 5 mg at 2 to 4 week intervals.The maximum recommended daily dose for the immediate-release capsules is 20 mg, although most patients show no additional response to doses above 10 mg/day. The maximum recommended dose for the controlled-release tablets is 20 mg/day.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats, severe dizziness, and warmth or tingling in your arms and legs.

• Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how isradipine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);
• fentanyl; or
• rifampin.

This list does not include everything. Other drugs may affect isradipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.