Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ISRADIPINE - ORAL

(iss-RAD-eh-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dynacirc

Uses

This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, isradipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.

How To Use

This medication must be taken as directed even if you do not feel sick. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. Try to take this medication at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's permission. Some conditions can become worse if the medication is stopped too fast. If stomach upset occurs, this drug may be taken with food or milk.

Side Effects

This drug may cause dizziness, headache and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramps, weakness, swelling of the hands or feet or flushing. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if they continue or become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pains, an irregular heartbeat. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can enhance dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing heart problems, liver disease, kidney disease, a blood disorder. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known if isradipine appears in breast milk; consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: beta-blockers, intravenous (IV) calcium, blood pressure medication, digoxin, fentanyl, terfenadine or astemizole. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, and fast heartbeat.

Notes

While taking this medication, it is important to monitor your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about doing this.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.