According to Drugs.com, isradipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. By slowing down the nerve impulses that pass through the heart muscle, the workload of your heart is reduced. This improves your blood flow and decreases your blood pressure. As with any medication, isradipine is accompanied by a variety of side effects, which you should be aware of before using as treatment for your condition.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with isradipine, affecting between 5 and 22 percent of those who take it, include headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations and nausea. You may also experience water retention (a condition known as edema), become dizzy or experience flushing, a condition causing your face to become red.
Less Common Side Effects
While still considered common, these side effects occur in a fewer number of patients--between 1 and 5 percent of those who take isradipine. You may experience a rapid heart rate, chest pain or an urge to urinate more frequently. Vomiting and difficulty breathing are also possible, as are the development of a rash, feeling weak and suffering from bouts of diarrhea.
Serious Side Effects
According to eMedTV.com, serious side effects do not occur frequently, but can pose a health risk. These include chest pain, heart attack or stroke, dizziness, light-headedness or fainting (all signs of low blood pressure) and arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). You may also begin retaining a large amount of water which, if you find it difficult to breathe, may be a sign of congestive heart failure. In addition, depression is another serious side effect to watch for. Should you experience any of these symptoms, report them to your doctor immediately.
Rare Side Effects
These typically occur in less than 1 percent of patients taking isradipine and can include foot or leg pain, stomach ache, drowsiness, impotence, dry mouth, sore throat, cough, constipation, insomnia, sweating and vision changes.
Signs of an Overdose
According to Drugs.com, there is little overdose information about isradipine. The most commonly reported signs however, include sluggishness, rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure. The site goes on to state that signs of overdose with other calcium channel blockers include severe low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and drowsiness.
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