Isradipine

Isradipine is used to treat high blood pressure. It relaxes your blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Isradipine comes as a regular capsule and an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The capsule is usually taken two times a day, while the tablet is usually taken once a day. The tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush the tablet. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take isradipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Isradipine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take isradipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking isradipine without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Isradipine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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headache</li>
<li>
dizziness or lightheadedness</li>
<li>
flushing (feeling of warmth)</li>
<li>
fast heartbeat</li>
<li>
excessive tiredness</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
chest pain</li>
<li>
swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
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fainting</li>
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rash</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking isradipine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to isradipine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet), fentanyl (Duragesic), heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and diuretics ('water pills'), medications to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), ranitidine (Zantac), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease or a history of gastrointestinal obstruction (strictures). if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking isradipine.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.