Isradipine

What is this medication?

ISRADIPINE (iz RA di peen) treats high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DynaCirc

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart failure
• Low blood pressure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to isradipine, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

• Fentanyl
• Grapefruit juice
• Propranolol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Taking this medication is only part of a total heart healthy program. Ask your care team if there are other changes you can make to improve your overall health.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Worsening chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, or arms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Constipation
• Facial flushing, redness
• Headache
• Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What is isradipine used for?

Healthcare providers use isradipine to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). A calcium channel blocker, isradipine makes your blood vessels relax. This makes it easier for blood to go through them without extra effort from your heart.

You can take isradipine by itself or with certain diuretics, which also lower your blood pressure.

How long does it take for isradipine to work?

Depending on your dose, isradipine can lower your blood pressure two to three hours after taking it. After about 90 minutes, the drug reaches its highest level in your system.

If your blood pressure doesn’t come down enough after taking isradipine for two to four weeks, your healthcare provider may increase your dose or change your medications.

Can isradipine be stopped at once?

No, you shouldn’t stop taking isradipine abruptly. If you stop taking blood pressure medicine, your blood pressure will go back up again. You should take your medications as prescribed for them to work best.

Talk to your healthcare provider first if you’re thinking about stopping the medicine. They can switch you to another medicine if isradipine is causing issues.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

It’s understandable if you feel a little uneasy about starting a new blood pressure medicine. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your medication. Getting answers may give you some peace of mind. Be sure to keep taking your blood pressure medicine so it’ll keep working. Buying a blood pressure monitor to use at home gives you the ability to see how much your medicine improves your blood pressure numbers.