Isradipine is used to lower blood pressure. The long-acting version and the brand name version of isradipine have been discontinued. But the generic is still available as a capsule that's taken by mouth, typically twice daily. Like all calcium channel blockers, some common side effects of isradipine include swelling, dizziness, and headache.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. This also helps your heart to get more oxygen so it doesn't need to work as hard to pump, which can help with chest pain.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
tingling of hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Less common
difficult or labored breathing
dizziness
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling of warmth
full or bloated feeling
pressure in the stomach
redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
shortness of breath
swelling of abdominal or stomach area
tightness in chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of Overdose
Blurred vision
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
flushing
sweating
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Lowers risk of heart attack and stroke caused by high blood pressure
Can be used in combination with a thiazide-type water pill like hydrochlorothiazide
Taken by mouth
Can cause headache and swelling in the legs and feet
Typically taken twice daily
Only available as a capsule
Take isradipine with or without food at any time of day. If it hurts your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
It's recommended that you check your blood pressure at home, record it, and bring your log to your medical appointments. Discuss with your provider how well isradipine is working for you.
Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done during treatment with isradipine. Your provider might measure your blood pressure, blood potassium level, and kidney function to keep track of how well the medication is working and how safe it is for you.
You might feel dizzy when you start taking isradipine and when your provider raises your dose. This side effect should lessen over time as you continue taking the medication and your body gets used to your new blood pressure.
Some people experience swelling in their feet, ankles, legs, or hands when they take isradipine. Talk with your provider if you notice swelling or if the swelling becomes too bothersome. They might recommend tips to ease the swelling, such as sitting or lying down with your legs raised or wearing compression socks.
If you accidentally miss a dose of isradipine, take it as soon as you remember. But if more than 12 hours have passed since the time you were scheduled to take your dose, then skip that dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Don't take 2 doses of isradipine at the same time to make up any missed doses.
Make sure to keep a healthy diet, including a low-salt diet, while taking isradipine to help lower your blood pressure.
Isradipine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Isradipine can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. But serious dizziness is pretty rare. These side effects typically happen when you first start the medication or when your provider raises the dose. If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel too dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something. Let your provider know because they might need to adjust the dose of your medication. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Risk factors: Taking a beta-blocker at the same time
If you have heart failure, make sure to follow-up with your provider regularly to monitor your heart health. Isradipine can slow your heart rate and make it more difficult for your heart to pump blood throughout your body, which can worsen heart failure. Your risk for this side effect is higher if you're taking a beta blocker (medications that end with -olol). Let your provider know if you notice symptoms such as trouble breathing, tiredness, and swelling in the hands or feet.
The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg by mouth twice daily. If needed, your provider will raise the dose slowly. The typical maintenance dose is 10 mg total daily. The maximum dose is 20 mg daily.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
High blood pressure
Clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease)
Chest pain (angina)
High blood pressure (hypertension) - extended-release tablets only
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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2018). Isradipine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Epic Pharma, LLC. (2021). Isradipine capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
Feiks, A., et al. (1991). Influence of isradipine on the maternal and fetal cardiovascular system in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. American Journal of Hypertension.
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