Summary

More frequently reported side effects include: edema and headache. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to isradipine: oral capsule.

Serious side effects of Isradipine

Along with its needed effects, isradipine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking isradipine:

More common

• Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• tingling of hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

• Chest pain
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• full or bloated feeling
• nausea
• pressure in the stomach
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• shortness of breath
• swelling of abdominal or stomach area
• tightness in chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking isradipine:

Symptoms of Overdose

• Blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• flushing
• sweating

Other side effects of Isradipine

Some side effects of isradipine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headache

Less common

• Diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• rash
• stomach soreness or discomfort

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to isradipine: oral capsule, oral tablet extended release.

General

Isradipine is generally well-tolerated. Most side effects occurred as commonly as with placebo in placebo-controlled trials, except for flushing, headache, and palpitations.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Palpitations or a greater awareness of heart beats is reported in 1% to 5% of patients. Flushing and palpitations are more likely with dosages greater than 5 mg daily; women have reported flushing more than men. Edema was reported in up to 22% of patients in one study (mean dose was 5.9 mg TID). In large studies, the incidence of edema is less than 3%, and appeared to be more likely in patients greater than 60 years of age.

Isradipine does not appear to adversely affect plasma lipids.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular side effects are among the most common, and are related to the vasodilatory properties of isradipine. Peripheral edema and flushing are reported in 3% to 14% of patients, being more common at higher doses. Dizziness occurs in 3% to 8% of patients.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects are probably related to the vasodilatory effects of isradipine. Headache is reported in 9% to 30% of patients and fatigue is reported in 7% of patients.^[Ref]

Headache was reported in up to 16% of patients in one study, although the mean dose was 5.9 mg three times daily to treat angina pectoris. Headache is more likely with dosages greater than 5 mg daily. Visual disturbances are reported in less than 2% of patients. Sleep disturbances are reported in 0.1% of patients.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects are unusual, and include constipation in less than 2% of patients.^[Ref]

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are reported in less than 4% of patients.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory system complaints include dyspnea and cough in 2% of patients.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal pain is reported in 1% of patients.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic complaints of "disturbed skin sensation" are reported in less than 4% of patients.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions to isradipine are rare. Pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema have been reported.^[Ref]