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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medications (Calcium & Beta Blockers) > Dynacirc and Equivalent

Dynacirc Information

Dynacirc (isradipine) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by relaxing the muscles in the blood vessel walls, which helps widen the vessels and lower blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Calcium channel blockers like isradipine block calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium is necessary for these muscle cells to contract. By blocking calcium entry, isradipine causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. This reduces the pressure within the blood vessels. Dynacirc is typically taken twice a day. Consistent use of Dynacirc helps to maintain lower blood pressure levels throughout the day. It is important to use Dynacirc as part of an overall treatment plan for hypertension, which may also include lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is necessary to ensure the medication works effectively and adjust the dosage if needed.

Dynacirc Side Effects

Common side effects of Dynacirc may include dizziness, headache, flushing (feeling of warmth and redness of the skin), drowsiness or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, nervousness, tremor, fast heartbeat, and swelling of the ankles or feet. These side effects are usually mild and may decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Chest pain
• Fainting or severe lightheadedness
• Gingival hyperplasia (swelling of the gums)
• Heart attack
• Increased frequency of urination
• Irregular heartbeat
• Kidney problems (changes in urination)
• Liver problems (such as persistent nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• Persistent or worsening swelling
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Significant decrease in blood pressure (hypotension)
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Worsening chest pain (angina)

Dynacirc Precautions

Do not use Dynacirc if allergic to isradipine or other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine). Before taking Dynacirc, tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, or mitral stenosis. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if isradipine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as Dynacirc can interact with other medications. Significant interactions with Dynacirc can occur with other blood pressure medications, including other calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers, certain heart medications, such as digoxin and other antiarrhythmics like quinidine and procainamide, enzyme inducers like rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and barbiturates, and enzyme inhibitors like certain antifungals (ketoconazole and itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin and clarithromycin), and HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir). Additionally, Dynacirc can interact with lithium and immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, as well as with the herbal supplement St. John's Wort. Grapefruit juice may also interact with isradipine, potentially increasing its levels in the blood and the risk of side effects; it is advisable to avoid consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice while taking Dynacirc. If you are scheduled for any surgery, including dental procedures, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Dynacirc. Anesthesiologists should be aware that isradipine can interact with certain anesthetic agents. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it may lower your blood pressure, potentially leading to increased dizziness. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to minimize dizziness due to potential drops in blood pressure.

Take Dynacirc exactly as your doctor prescribed. It is usually taken twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart. Swallow the capsules whole and do not crush, chew, or open them. Your doctor will determine the dosage based on your blood pressure and your response to the medication. It is important to take Dynacirc at the same time each day to help you remember and to maintain a consistent level of medication in your body. Continue to take Dynacirc as your doctor directs, even if you feel well. It may take several weeks to see the full effect on your blood pressure. Do not stop taking Dynacirc suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this could cause a sudden increase in your blood pressure and may lead to other cardiovascular problems. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose if it becomes necessary to stop the medication. Store Dynacirc at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medications out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Dynacirc?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Dynacirc.