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Isradipine

Generic name: isradipine [ is-RAD-i-peen ]
Brand names: Dynacirc, Dynacirc CR
Dosage form: oral capsule (2.5 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Calcium channel blocking agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is isradipine?

Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

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

Isradipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Isradipine side effects

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

Isradipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of isradipine may include:

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.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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.

How should I take isradipine?

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.

Isradipine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose:
Immediate-release capsules: 2.5 mg orally twice a day
Controlled-release tablets: 5 mg orally once a day

Maintenance 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

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.

What should I avoid while taking isradipine?

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.

What other drugs will affect isradipine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

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

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.