Parenteral isradipine reduces blood pressure in hypertensive crisis.
The efficacy and tolerability of an infusion of isradipine, a calcium antagonist of the dihydropyridine type, were tested in patients in hypertensive crisis. Ten patients with symptomatic and significant elevations in blood pressure were infused for 12 h with isradipine at 1.2, 2.4, 4.8, and 7.2 micrograms/kg/h (3 h of each infusion level). No untoward effects or adverse reactions were noted. No alterations were observed on electrocardiographic tracings, and blood pressure was significantly reduced only at doses of 7.2 micrograms/kg/h. Thus, isradipine as an infusion is useful and safe for hypertensive crisis, starting at a rate of 7.2 micrograms/kg/h. Higher doses may yet prove to be safe, well tolerated, and even more efficacious.
Saragoça
M A
MA
Hypertension-Nephrology Division, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
Mulinari
R A
RA
Oliveira
A F
AF
Portela
J
J
Plavnik
F L
FL
Melegari
D
D
Ramos
O L
OL
D000208:Acute Disease; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D017275:Isradipine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017275:Isradipine