Isradipine is a medication used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure). It belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers and it works to relax your blood vessels and heart muscles, subsequently increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a dose of 2.5 milligrams twice a day or 20 milligrams a day, depending upon your blood pressure readings, says the National Library of Medicine.
Routine Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Isradipine can commonly cause a headache, dizziness, a skin rash, itching, weakness and diarrhea. It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach problems, fatigue and redness or warmth of your skin. In a placebo-controlled study of 934 patients receiving 2.5 milligrams of Isradipine two times a day, the National Library of Medicine says that 13.7 percent experienced a headache, 7.3 percent developed dizziness, 7.2 percent had swelling (edema), 3.9 percent experienced fatigue, 2.6 percent experienced flushing and 1.8 percent had nausea and indigestion, while 1.1 percent developed vomiting and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor if you have qualms about getting these routine side effects.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus says that Isradipine's harmful side effects include chest pain, a rash and fainting spells. It can cause trouble breathing and swelling of your face, throat, lips, arms, eyes or legs. Drugs.com indicates that Isradipine can cause tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and palpitations (pounding heartbeat). Call 911 at the first sign of these symptoms.
Other Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, isradipine can cause itching, hypotension (low blood pressure), heart failure, a myocardial infarction (heart attack), decreased libido (sex drive), a stroke and leukopenia (low white blood cell counts). Isradipine can also cause nervousness, numbness or tingling and leg or foot cramps.
Miscellaneous Concerns
The National Library of Medicine says that no studies link Isradipine with any harm to your unborn or nursing child. However, tell your doctor whether you are expecting or breastfeeding.
Drugs.com indicates that you should tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, heart or digestive problems. Isradipine may worsen these conditions.
Inform your doctor whether you are taking such drugs as cimetidine, fentanyl, ranitidine, vitamins and other prescription and over-the-counter medications, says MedlinePlus. These medications can interact with Isradipine and provoke the aforementioned effects.
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