Isradipine in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension

Male patients with supine diastolic blood pressures above 95 mmHg after placebo therapy received twice daily isradipine (Dynacirc; Sandoz) 1.25, 2.5 or 5.0 mg for 12 weeks. Blood pressures were measured every 14 days. Doses of 2.5 or 5 mg isradipine twice daily significantly reduced supine and erect mean systolic, mean diastolic and mean arterial pressures. Isradipine 1.25 mg twice daily reduced supine mean diastolic and mean arterial pressures only. A dose of 5 mg twice daily was accompanied by an increase in adverse reactions. The recommended dose of isradipine is 2.5 mg twice daily.