Isradipine in the treatment of hypertension: a clinical profile.

Isradipine (DynaCirc, PK 200-110) is a new calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine class. In controlled, double-blind, clinical trials isradipine is an effective first-line monotherapeutic agent in the treatment of hypertension, regardless of patient age or race. Isradipine is safe and well tolerated, with few adverse effects reported, and does not cause significant changes in cardiac conduction or the force of cardiac contraction. In addition, it does not adversely affect the lipid profile, carbohydrate tolerance, or renal function. Long-term experience with isradipine indicates that the antihypertensive efficacy is maintained without problems of tachycardia or tachyphylaxis.