Isradipine
Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) medication used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body. This medication is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive approach to managing cardiovascular health.
Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08CA03
- RxNorm
- 33910
- Generic
- Isradipine
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks, may prolong labor
fetal monitoring during labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
isradipine passes into breast milk, monitor infant for adverse effects
monitor infant for hypotension, lethargy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at low dose
initiate therapy at low dose, monitor blood pressure closely, increased sensitivity to calcium channel blockers
regular blood pressure monitoring, monitor for edema and hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrennot established
not recommended in children due to limited safety and efficacy data
blood pressure monitoring if used
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose adjustment
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor renal function and blood pressure regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction recommended
reduce dose in hepatic impairment due to decreased metabolism
monitor blood pressure and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Isradipine is primarily indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension (high blood pressure without identifiable cause). It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents for better blood pressure control.
Isradipine belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. It works by blocking calcium from entering vascular smooth muscle cells through L-type calcium channels. This causes relaxation of the blood vessel walls, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers blood pressure.
Isradipine should be taken exactly as prescribed, typically once or twice daily with or without food. Common side effects may include headache, flushing, dizziness, and peripheral edema. Patients with severe coronary artery disease or recent heart attack should use this medication with caution. Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential during treatment. Alcohol may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects and should be consumed in moderation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy