Isradipine is preferably used alone or together with other medicines such as hydrochlorothiazide to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is known to contribute to the workload of the heart and arteries. When it persists for a longer time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.
Consequently, the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys can be damaged leading to stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure also increases the risk of heart attacks. This problem is reduced when the blood pressure is controlled. Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker. It promotes the translocation of the calcium ions into the cells of the heart and blood vessels.
Consequently, it relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. Isradipine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
The decision to use the medicine is governed by the risk of using the medicine against the good the medicine will do. This is the decision that both you and your doctor must reach before using any of the medicines. The following also needs to be considered:
Allergies. The doctor needs to know if you have suffered from any of the allergic reactions previously while using the medicine. You also need to inform your health care professional whether you have had any allergies to the types of foods, dyes, preservatives or animal products. When using the non-prescription products, read the label or package for the ingredients very carefully. For use of Isradipine by children, there have been no appropriate studies on the relationship between the effects of isradipine and the pediatric population.
Safety and efficacy on children have also not been established. On the use of Isradipine by elderly subjects, there have been no geriatric specific problems that would limit the use and usefulness of isradipine. However, they are more likely to suffer from liver and kidney problems which may require change in the dose in patients receiving Isradipine.
In pregnancy. There are studies that have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animal studies. Similarly, limited data exists on women to determine the infant risk when using Isradipine during breastfeeding. Weight the potential benefits before using this medicine while breastfeeding. There is also a possibility of drug interactions when using this medicine.
Hence, certain medicine need not be used together with this medicine completely. In many other cases, two different medicine can be used together even with the possibility of drug interaction. In such cases, your medical doctor may change the dose, and other applicable precautions may be necessary. When using this medicine, it is necessary to inform your healthcare professional that you are using these medicines.
The interaction in using this medicines are selected on the basis of their potential significance and may not be all inclusive. It is not recommended to use this medicine with any of the following drugs listed below. Your medical doctor will make a decision to use this medicine or change some of the medicines that you take. In addition, use of these medicines may not be recommended but your doctor may change some of the medicines that you take.
Mefloquine is not allowed to be used with this medicine. However, it may be required in some cases. When both of this medicines are prescribed together, your medical doctor may change the dose or how frequent youuse the doses or both of the medicines. These drugs include:
Use of this medicine with aby of the above listed medicines may cause an increased predisposition to side effects. However, using both of the medicines may be the best medicines. In case both of the medicines have been prescribed, then your doctor will make a decision to change the dose or how often you can use one or both of the medicines. This drugs include:
Amprenavir
Dalfopristin
Indinavir
Ketoconazole
Magnesium
Quinupristin
Rifampin
There may be other forms of interaction of this medicines when used at or around the time of eating certain types of food. On the other hand, using this drugs with alcohol or tobacco may cause an interaction to occur. It is important that the use of these medicines with food, alcohol or tobacco is discussed with your doctor.
Other medical problems may be present and may affect the use of these medicines. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any of the medical problems such as bowel blockage, congestive heart failure. This medicines need to be used with caution since it may make this conditions worse. In case of kidney or liver disease, use this drugs with caution. The effect of the use of Isradipine may be potentiated by the slow removal of the medicines from the body.
3 Proper Usage
Besides the use of this medicines for treatment of high blood pressure. Use of weight control, and changes in the type of food that you eat can be applied, especially those that are high in sodium. You doctor will advise you on the most important diet and one will be required to check on your doctor before any change of diet can be implemented. Patients with high blood pressure may not notice any signs of the problems. Most of them feel normal.
It is advisable to take your medicine as directed and that you keep your appointment with your doctor even when feeling well. This medicine is not a cure of the high blood pressure but it will help control it and keep it down. Also note that blood pressure drugs may have to be taken for the rest of your life. When the high blood pressure is not treated, it may lead to serious problems with heart, blood vessels, stroke, kidney disease.
Swallow the extended release tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush or chew it. When using the extended release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stool after your body has absorbed the medicine. This is also normal ad nothing to worry about. The dose of the medicine will always be different for different patients. Always stick to the orders of your doctor and directions provided on the label.
Information provided on this article are only average dose values of this medicine. In case it is different from your dose, do not change the dose unless your doctor informs you to do so. The amount of the medicine that you consume will also vary with the strength of the medicine. Also, it is affected by the number of doses you take every day and the time allowed between the doses and finally, the length of time that you take the medicine.
This varies with the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. In patients with high blood pressure:
Capsules for oral dosage is used.
In adults, 2.5 milligrams capsules twice a day is used. You doctor may change the dose when needed. However, in children, the use of the medicine must be determined by your medical doctor. In case of the oral dosage, using the extended release tablets in adults, first, 5 mg once a day will be used. The dose may however increase when needed and as determined by your doctor.
In children, use and dose must always be determined by your doctor. In case of missed doses, take the medicine as soon as possible.
However, when it is almost time for your next dose, skip the medicine and resume the normal schedule for dosing. Never double the dose. Store the medicine in a closed container and at room temperature and away from the heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Keep the medicine away from freezing. Keep it out of reach of children. Never store outdated medicine. Ask your medical doctor the best way for disposing medicines that can no longer be used.
4 Precautions to Take
Regular progress checkups at regular visit in important to ensure that this medicine is working properly. This also allows for checkups of unwanted effects. Low blood pressure (hypotension may occur while using the medicine. In case of the following symptoms:
Blurred vision
Confusion
Severe dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
Check with your medical doctor soonest time possible. This medicine may also cause the retention of fluid in some patients. In case of bloat, swelling on the face, arms, hands, lower legs, feet, tingling of hands, feet or unusual weight gain or loss.
Side effects may occur, and when they do, you will need medical attention. Check with your medical doctor as soon as possible to check if the following side effects occur.
The most common side effects includes:
Bloating or Swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
It is also common that some of the side effects which occur may not need medical attention. They may go away during treatment when your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare professional may also advise you on the best possible ways of managing the side effects.
Moreover, check with your healthcare professional if any of the side effects continue to be bothersome or if you have any questions concerning them. More common side effect include Headache. Less common side effects include diarrhea, difficulty in having bowel movement (stool) rash, stomach, soreness or discomfort.
Other side effects are not listed here and may occur in some of the patients. In case of other side effects, check with your healthcare professional. Inform and consult your medical doctor for proper advice on how to contain the side effects. Similarly, report the side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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