Isradipine

Isradipine

Isradipine is a type of calcium channel blocker used primarily in the treatment of hypertension. It belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers, which also includes drugs such as amlodipine, nifedipine, and felodipine.

Pharmacology

Isradipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. It does this by binding to L-type calcium channels, which are the primary type of voltage-gated calcium channels in these tissues. By blocking these channels, isradipine prevents calcium-dependent contraction of the muscle cells, leading to relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels. This results in a decrease in blood pressure.

Clinical Use

Isradipine is primarily used in the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Isradipine has also been investigated for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, due to its ability to block calcium channels in neurons, but results have been inconclusive.

Side Effects

Common side effects of isradipine include headache, dizziness, flushing, and edema. Less common but more serious side effects can include hypotension, tachycardia, and heart failure.

Contraindications

Isradipine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. It should also be used with caution in patients with severe cardiac disease, as it can exacerbate symptoms of heart failure.

Drug Interactions

Isradipine can interact with a number of other drugs, including beta blockers, digoxin, and cimetidine. These interactions can lead to changes in the effectiveness of isradipine or the interacting drug, and may require dose adjustments.

See Also

• Calcium channel blocker
• Hypertension
• Parkinson's disease