Sign inBefore taking isradipine
Before taking isradipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have had a heart attack less than one month ago or have any other heart problems.
- If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take isradipine
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take isradipine exactly as your doctor has told you. It is usually taken twice each day, with the doses preferably being 12 hours apart.
- You may take your doses before, during or after food.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with isradipine as this can increase the amount of the medicine in your blood.
- Try to take isradipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
- If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking isradipine.
- Suddenly stopping treatment with isradipine may cause problems. Your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.
Can isradipine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Abdominal discomfort | Stick to simple or bland foods |
| Palpitations, dizziness, flushing | These may occur when you first start treatment. If they are severe or continue for more than a week or so, speak with your doctor. Do not drive or use tools or machines while you feel dizzy |
| Tiredness, swollen feet or ankles | Take plenty of rest and raise your legs onto a low stool when you are sitting |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Shortness of breath, increased need to pass urine, rash | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store isradipine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Prescal®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2008.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)