$Unique_ID{BRK03197}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{isradipine}
$Subject{Dynacirc Sandoz Antianginal calcium channel blocker antihypertensive
isradipine high blood pressure cardiovascular plasma lipids blood glucose
control spasms vasodilator}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


isradipine
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Dynacirc (Sandoz)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antianginal (calcium channel blocker) and antihypertensive

INGREDIENT

     isradipine

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (2.5 mg and 5 mg)

STORAGE

     Isradipine should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
container, out of the reach of children and away from moisture and direct
light.

USES

     Isradipine is used to treat high blood pressure.  It belongs to a group
of drugs known as calcium channel blockers, which are useful for several
cardiovascular conditions.  Calcium channel blockers are less likely than
beta-blockers or thiazide diuretics to have adverse effects on plasma lipids
or blood glucose control in hypertensive patients with diabetes, asthma, or
hardening of the arteries.  It is not fully understood how isradipine works,
but by blocking calcium, it relaxes and prevents spasms of the blood vessels
of the heart and reduces the oxygen needs of the heart muscle.  Isradipine is
also a potent vasodilator that relaxes the muscle tissue of the blood vessels,
thereby lowering blood pressure.

TREATMENT

     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.  If you have a heart condition and have been taking
isradipine regularly, isradipine should not should be stopped suddenly as this
may worsen your symptoms of heart disease.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.  It may take several
weeks to develop its full effect.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, dizziness, flushing of the face, headaches, increased heart
rate, nervousness, painful extremities, rash, stomach upset, and swollen
ankles.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
changes in menstruation, confusion, depression, fainting, fatigue, hair loss,
itching, loss of balance, palpitations, rapid weight gain (three to five
pounds within a week), recurrent infections, shortness of breath, swelling of
the hands or feet, tremors, or unusual weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Isradipine may increase the blood pressure lowering effect of beta
blockers, especially if there is a pre-existing heart condition.  Isradipine
may also increase the blood levels of the beta blocker, propranolol.
     Other drugs that may interact with isradipine are adenosine, calcium
supplements, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, digoxin, fentanyl used in conjunction
with anesthesia, phenylbutazone, prazosin, and tolbutamide.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to isradipine.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had any type of heart disease, kidney
disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or a slowed heartbeat.
     * Your doctor may want you to check your pulse regularly while you are
taking this medication.  If your heart rate drops below 50 beats per minute,
contact your doctor.
     * If you experience angina symptoms, stopping this medication abruptly
may lead to a worsening of your chest pain.  Your doctor may, therefore, want
to reduce your dosage gradually or have you switch to another medication when
isradipine is discontinued.
     * In order to prevent dizziness or light-headedness while taking this
medication, try not to stand for long periods of time, avoid drinking
alcoholic beverages, and try not to become overheated.  Avoid exercising
strenuously in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  There are some
indications that israpidine may cause birth defects in animals, but conclusive
studies in humans have not been conducted.  Also tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether isradipine passes into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.