Prescription Drugs

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Isradipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It binds to calcium channels with high affinity and specificity and inhibits calcium flux into cardiac and smooth muscle. The effects observed in mechanistic experiments in vitro and studied in intact animals and man are compatible with this mechanism of action and are typical of the class. Except for diuretic activity,the mechanism of which is not clearly understood,the pharmacodynamic effects of isradipine observed in whole animals can also be explained by calcium channel blocking activity, especially dilating effects in arterioles which reduce systemic resistance and lower blood pressure, with a small increase in resting heart rate. Although like other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, isradipine has negative inotropic effects in vitro, studies conducted in intact anesthetized animals have shown that the vasodilating effect occurs at doses lower than those which affect contractility. In patients with normal ventricular function,isradipine's afterload reducing properties lead to some increase in cardiac output. Effects in patients with impaired ventricular function have not been fully studied. Clinical Effects In randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trials, DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets have been shown to have antihypertensive effects proportional to doses between 5 and 20 mg,administered once daily. DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) produced statistically significant reductions in supine and standing blood pressure, compared with placebo, 24 hours postdose.The endpoint results of one parallel group dose-ranging trial showed mean responses 24 hours after ingestion of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) (systolic/diastolic) -5.2/-2.8, -13.4/-9.7, -15.6/-10.2 and -15.5/-11.8 mmHg, for 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg doses, respectively, change from baseline greater than concurrent placebo.The antihypertensive effect of any one dose begins in about 2 hours and reaches a peak at about 8-10 hours postdose.At the recommended starting dose (5 mg) the trough response (24 hours after dosing) was about 76% that of the peak.At doses of 10,15 and 20 mg,the trough blood pressure response was about equal to that at peak effect.In association with the fall in blood pressure, resting heart rate is slightly increased, on average from 1-3 beats/minute. The antihypertensive response to DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) has not been detected to be influenced by gender or age. Hemodynamics In man, peripheral vasodilation produced by immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) is reflected by decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Hemodynamic studies conducted in patients with normal left ventricular function produced, following intravenous isradipine administration, increases in cardiac index, stroke volume index,coronary sinus blood flow,heart rate and peak positive left ventricular dP/dt.Systemic,coronary, and pulmonary vascular resistance was decreased. These studies were conducted with doses of isradipine which produced clinically significant decreases in blood pressure. The clinical consequences of these hemodynamic effects,if any,have not been evaluated. Effects on heart rate are variable,dependent upon rate of administration and presence of underlying cardiac condition. While increases in both peak positive dP/dt and LV ejection fraction are seen when intravenous isradipine is given,it is impossible to conclude that these represent a positive inotropic effect due to simultaneous changes in preload and afterload. In patients with coronary artery disease undergoing atrial pacing during cardiac catheterization, intravenous isradipine diminished abnormalities of systolic performance.In patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction,oral and intravenous isradipine in doses which reduce blood pressure by 12%-30%, resulted in improvement in cardiac index without increase in heart rate,and with no change or reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.Combina-tion of isradipine and propranolol did not significantly affect left ventricular dP/dt max. The clinical consequences of these effects have not been evaluated. Electrophysiologic Effects In general, no detrimental effects on the cardiac conduction system were seen with the use of immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine). Electrophysiologic studies were conducted on patients with normal sinus and atrioventricular node function. Intravenous isradipine in doses which reduce systolic blood pressure did not affect PR, QRS, AH* or HV* intervals. No changes were seen in Wenckebach cycle length,atrial,and ventricular refractory periods.Slight prolongation of QTc interval of 3% was seen in one study.Effects on sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) were mild or not seen. In patients with sick sinus syndrome, at doses which significantly reduced blood pressure, intravenous isradipine resulted in no depressant effect on sinus and atrioventricular node function. *AH = conduction time from low right atrium to His bundle deflection, or AV nodal conduction time; HV = conduction time through His bundle and the bundle branch-Purkinje system. Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism With the immediate-release formulation DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules, 90%-95% of the orally administered dose is absorbed. Because of the biotransformation of isradipine during its first-pass through the portal circulation, the bioavailability of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) ranges from 15%-24%.Isradipine is 95% bound to plasma proteins. Peak concentrations of approximately 1 ng/mL/mg dosed occur about 1.5 hours after DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules administration. The elimination of isradipine is biphasic with an early half-life of 11/2-2 hours, and a terminal half-life of about 8 hours, resulting in trough concentrations of about 0.1 ng/mL/mg dosed of immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules. In single dose studies of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets,after a 2-3 hour lag time,concentrations of isradipine plateau between 7 and 18 hours post-dosing (reaching aCmax of 3-4 ng/mL with an AUC of 62-73 ng•h/mL for a 10 mg dose) and then a concentration > 50% of the peak exists for 17-20 hours. There is no evidence of dose dumping either in the presence or absence of food.Food has been shown to decrease the extent of bioavailability of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) by up to 25%. The pharmacokinetics of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets are linear over the dose range of 5-20 mg,in that the plasma drug concentrations are proportional to the dose administered. Isradipine is completely metabolized prior to excretion,and no unchanged drug is detected in the urine.The major routes of isradipine metabolism are ring oxidation of the dihydropyridine moiety to give the corresponding pyridine,and ester cleavage,with or without concomitant oxidation of the dihydropyridine moiety,giving the corresponding carboxylic acids. The cytochrome P-450 IIIA4 system is implicated in the formation of these metabolites, which are hemodynamically inactive. Approximately 60%-65% of an administered dose is excreted in the urine and 25%-30% in the feces. With immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine), mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-80 mL/min) increases the AUC of isradipine by 45%. Progressive deterioration reverses this trend, and patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) who have been on hemodialysis show a 20%-50% lower AUC than healthy volunteers. In elderly patients administered DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules, Cmax and AUC are increased by 13% and 40%,respectively; in patients with hepatic impairment,Cmax and AUC are increased by 32% and 52%,respectively (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Isradipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It binds to calcium channels with high affinity and specificity and inhibits calcium flux into cardiac and smooth muscle. The effects observed in mechanistic experiments in vitro and studied in intact animals and man are compatible with this mechanism of action and are typical of the class. Except for diuretic activity, the mechanism of which is not clearly understood, the pharmacodynamic effects of isradipine observed in whole animals can also be explained by calcium channel blocking activity, especially dilating effects in arterioles which reduce systemic resistance and lower blood pressure, with a small increase in resting heart rate. Although like other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, isradipine has negative inotropic effects in vitro, studies conducted in intact anesthetized animals have shown that the vasodilating effect occurs at doses lower than those which affect contractility. In patients with normal ventricular function, isradipine's afterload reducing properties lead to some increase in cardiac output. Effects in patients with impaired ventricular function have not been fully studied. Clinical Effects Dose-related reductions in supine and standing blood pressure are achieved within 2-3 hours following single oral doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg DynaCirc® (isradipine), with a duration of action (at least 50% of peak response) of more than 12 hours following administration of the highest dose. DynaCirc® (isradipine) has been shown in controlled, double-blind clinical trials to be an effective antihypertensive agent when used as monotherapy, or when added to therapy with thiazide-type diuretics. During chronic administration, divided doses (b.i.d.) in the range of 5–20 mg daily have been shown to be effective, with response at trough (prior to next dose) over 50% of the peak blood pressure effect. The response is dose-related between 5-10 mg daily. DynaCirc® (isradipine) is equally effective in reducing supine, sitting, and standing blood pressure. On chronic administration, increases in resting pulse rate averaged about 3-5 beats/min. These increases were not dose-related. Hemodynamics In man, peripheral vasodilation produced by DynaCirc® (isradipine) is reflected by decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased cardiac output. Hemodynamic studies conducted in patients with normal left ventricular function produced, following intravenous isradipine administration, increases in cardiac index, stroke volume index, coronary sinus blood flow, heart rate, and peak positive left ventricular dP/dt. Systemic, coronary, and pulmonary vascular resistance was decreased. These studies were conducted with doses of isradipine which produced clinically significant decreases in blood pressure. The clinical consequences of these hemodynamic effects, if any, have not been evaluated. Effects on heart rate are variable, dependent upon rate of administration and presence of underlying cardiac condition. While increases in both peak positive dP/dt and LV ejection fraction are seen when intravenous isradipine is given, it is impossible to conclude that these represent a positive inotropic effect due to simultaneous changes in preload and afterload. In patients with coronary artery disease undergoing atrial pacing during cardiac catheterization, intravenous isradipine diminished abnormalities of systolic performance. In patients with moderate left ventricular dysfunction, oral and intravenous isradipine in doses which reduce blood pressure by 12%-30%, resulted in improvement in cardiac index without increase in heart rate, and with no change or reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Combination of isradipine and propranolol did not significantly affect left ventricular dP/dt max. The clinical consequences of these effects have not been evaluated. Electrophysiologic Effects In general, no detrimental effects on the cardiac conduction system were seen with the use of DynaCirc® (isradipine). Electrophysiologic studies were conducted on patients with normal sinus and atrioventricular node function. Intravenous isradipine in doses which reduce systolic blood pressure did not affect PR, QRS, AH* or HV* intervals. No changes were seen in Wenckebach cycle length, atrial, and ventricular refractory periods. Slight prolongation of QTC interval of 3% was seen in one study. Effects on sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) were mild or not seen. In patients with sick sinus syndrome, at doses which significantly reduced blood pressure, intravenous isradipine resulted in no depressant effect on sinus and atrioventricular node function. Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Isradipine is 90%-95% absorbed and is subject to extensive first-pass metabolism, resulting in a bioavailability of about 15%-24%. Isradipine is detectable in plasma within 20 minutes after administration of single oral doses of 2.5-20 mg, and peak concentrations of approximately 1 ng/mL/mg dosed occur about 1.5 hours after drug administration. Administration of DynaCirc® (isradipine) with food significantly increases the time to peak by about an hour, but has no effect on the total bioavailability (area under the curve) of the drug. Isradipine is 95% bound to plasma proteins. Both peak plasma concentration and AUC exhibit a linear relationship to dose over the 0-20 mg dose range. The elimination of isradipine is biphasic with an early half-life of 1½-2 hours, and a terminal half-life of about 8 hours. The total body clearance of isradipine is 1.4 L/min and the apparent volume of distribution is 3 L/kg. Isradipine is completely metabolized prior to excretion, and no unchanged drug is detected in the urine. Six metabolites have been characterized in blood and urine, with the mono acids of the pyridine derivative and a cyclic lactone product accounting for > 75% of the material identified. Approximately 60%-65% of an administered dose is excreted in the urine and 25%–30% in the feces. Mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-80 mL/min) increases the bioavailability (AUC) of isradipine by 45%. Progressive deterioration reverses this trend, and patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance < 10 mL/min) who have been on hemodialysis show a 20%-50% lower AUC than healthy volunteers. No pharmacokinetic information is available on drug therapy during hemodialysis. In elderly patients, Cmax and AUC are increased by 13% and 40%, respectively; in patients with hepatic impairment, Cmax and AUC are increased by 32% and 52%, respectively (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). REFERENCES * AH = conduction time from low right atrium to His bundle deflection, or AV nodal conduction time; * HV = conduction time through His bundle and the bundle branch-Purkinje system.

Find Lowest Prices on DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets DESCRIPTION DynaCirc CR® contains isradipine, a calcium antagonist. It is available for once-daily oral administration as a controlled release 5 mg and 10 mg tablet for DynaCirc CR® (isradipine). DynaCirc CR® is a registered trademark for isradipine GITS (Gastrointestinal Therapeutic System) tablets. The structural formula of isradipine is: Chemically, isradipine is 3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 4-(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-, methyl 1-methylethyl ester. Isradipine is a yellow, fine crystalline powder which is odorless or has a faint characteristic odor. Isradipine is practically insoluble in water ( < 10 mg/L at 37°C), but is soluble in ethanol and freely soluble in acetone,chloroform and methylene chloride. Active Ingredient: isradipine Inactive Ingredients: butylated hydroxytoluene; cellulose acetate; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; magnesium stearate; polyethylene glycol; polyethylene oxide; polysorbate 80; propylene glycol; red ferric oxide; silicon dioxide; sodium chloride; titanium dioxide; yellow ferric oxide. System Components and Performance Isradipine is delivered from the DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablet as follows: a semipermeable membrane surrounds an osmotically active drug core.The core is composed of two layers: an "active"layer containing the drug, and a pharmacologically inert but osmotically active "push" layer. After ingestion, the tablet overcoating is quickly dissipated in the gastrointestinal tract,allowing water to enter the tablet through the semipermeable membrane. The polyethylene oxide polymer swells in the osmotic ("push") layer and exerts pressure against the "active"drug layer, releasing isradipine as a fine suspension through the laser-drilled tablet orifice which has been positioned on the "active" drug layer side. Drug delivery is essentially constant as long as the osmotic gradient remains constant and, after either 5 mg or 10 mg of isradipine is released, gradually falls to a negligible amount.The controlled rate of drug delivery into the gastrointestinal lumen is independent of pH or gastrointestinal motility. The delivery of isradipine in DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets depends on the existence of an osmotic gradient between the contents of the bilayer core and the fluid in the GI tract.The biologically inert core of the tablet remains intact and,unless it becomes trapped, is eliminated in the feces.

DYNACIRC (isradipine) Capsules DESCRIPTION DynaCirc® (isradipine) is a calcium antagonist available for oral administration in capsules containing 2.5 mg or 5 mg. The structural formula of isradipine is: Chemically, isradipine is 3,5-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 4-(4-benzofurazanyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-, methyl 1-methylethyl ester. Isradipine is a yellow, fine crystalline powder which is odorless or has a faint characteristic odor. Isradipine is practically insoluble in water ( < 10 mg/L at 37°C), but is soluble in ethanol and freely soluble in acetone, chloroform and methylene chloride. Active Ingredient: isradipine Inactive Ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 (5 mg capsule only), FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, gelatin, lactose, starch (corn), titanium dioxide and other ingredients. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg capsules may also contain: benzyl alcohol, butylparaben, edetate calcium disodium, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium propionate.

INDICATIONS Hypertension DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) is indicated in the management of hypertension. It may be used alone or concurrently with thiazide-type diuretics. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The dosage of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets should be individualized.The recommended initial dose of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) is 5 mg once-daily as monotherapy or in combination with a thiazide diuretic. An antihypertensive response usually occurs within 2 hours,with the peak antihypertensive response occurring 8-10hours post-dose; blood pressure reduction is maintained for at least 24 hours following drug administration.If necessary,the dose may be adjusted in increments of 5 mg at 2-4 week intervals up to a maximum dose of 20 mg/day. Adverse experiences are increased in frequency above 10 mg/day. DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be bitten or divided. The bioavailability (increased AUC) of immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) is increased in elderly patients (above 65 years of age), patients with hepatic functional impairment, and patients with mild renal impairment. Ordinarily, a starting dose of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) 5 mg once-daily should be used in these patients. HOW SUPPLIED DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets: 5 mg: A light pink, round, standard biconvex and film coated tablet. Printing is in red with "DynaCirc CR (isradipine) " in a semicircle with "5"centered below the semicircle. Bottles of 100 controlled release tablets (NDC 65726-235-25) Bottles of 30 controlled release tablets (NDC 65726-235-10) 10 mg: A beige, round, standard biconvex and film coated tablet. Printing is in red with "DynaCirc CR (isradipine) " in a semicircle with "10"centered below the semicircle. Bottles of 100 controlled release tablets (NDC 65726-236-25) Bottles of 30 controlled release tablets (NDC 65726-236-10) Store and Dispense Below 86°F (30°C) in a tight container,protected from moisture and humidity. Distributed by: Reliant Pharmaceuticals,Inc. Liberty Corner,NJ 07938. Address Medical Inquiries to: Reliant Medical Inquiries, c/o PPD 2655 Meridian Parkway, Durham,NC 27713-2203. or Call: 877-311-7515. FDA Rev date: 5/18/2005

INDICATIONS Hypertension DynaCirc® (isradipine) is indicated in the management of hypertension. It may be used alone or concurrently with thiazide-type diuretics. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The dosage of DynaCirc® (isradipine) should be individualized. The recommended initial dose of DynaCirc® (isradipine) is 2.5 mg b.i.d. alone or in combination with a thiazide diuretic. An antihypertensive response usually occurs within 2-3 hours. Maximal response may require 2–4 weeks. If a satisfactory reduction in blood pressure does not occur after this period, the dose may be adjusted in increments of 5 mg/day at 2-4 week intervals up to a maximum of 20 mg/day. Most patients, however, show no additional response to doses above 10 mg/day, and adverse effects are increased in frequency above 10 mg/day. The bioavailability of DynaCirc (isradipine) ® (increased AUC) is increased in elderly patients (above 65 years of age), patients with hepatic functional impairment, and patients with mild renal impairment. Ordinarily, the starting dose should still be 2.5 mg b.i.d. in these patients. HOW SUPPLIED DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules 2.5 mg White, imprinted twice with the DynaCirc (isradipine) ® logo and "DynaCirc (isradipine) " on one end, and "Reliant" and "2.5" on the other, twice. Bottles of 100 capsules (NDC 65726-226-25) Bottles of 60 capsules (NDC 65726-226-15) 5 mg Light pink, imprinted twice with the DynaCirc (isradipine) ® logo and "DynaCirc (isradipine) " on one end, and "Reliant" and "5"on the other, twice. Bottles of 100 capsules (NDC 65726-227-25) Bottles of 60 capsules (NDC 65726-227-15) Store and Dispense Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-89°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] and dispense in a tight, light-resistant container. Distributed by: Reliant Pharmaceuticals. Liberty Corner, New Jersey 07938.

PATIENT INFORMATION DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets should be swallowed whole.Do not chew,divide or crush tablets. Do not be concerned if you occasionally notice in your stool something resembling a tablet.In DynaCirc CR® (isradipine), the medication is contained within a nonabsorbable shell that has been specially designed to slowly release the drug for your body to absorb. When this process is completed, the empty tablet shell is eliminated in the stool.

PATIENT INFORMATION No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

OVERDOSE Although there is no well documented experience with DynaCirc® (isradipine) overdosage,available data suggest that, as with other dihydropyridines, gross overdosage would result in excessive peripheral vasodilation with subsequent marked and probably prolonged systemic hypotension. Clinically significant hypotension overdosage calls for active cardiovascular support including monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function, elevation of lower extremities and attention to circulating fluid volume and urine output. A vasoconstrictor (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, or levarterenol) may be helpful in restoring vascular tone and blood pressure,provided that there is no contraindication to its use.Since isradipine is highly protein bound, dialysis is not likely to be of benefit. Significant lethality was observed in mice given oral doses of over 200 mg/kg and rabbits given about 50 mg/kg of isradipine. Rats tolerated doses of over 2000 mg/kg without effects on survival. CONTRAINDICATIONS DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the formulation.

OVERDOSE Drug Abuse And Dependence Minimal empirical data are available on DynaCirc® (isradipine) overdosage. Three individual suicide attempts with dosages of isradipine reported to be from 20 mg up to 100 mg resulted in lethargy, sinus tachycardia and, in the case of the person ingesting 100 mg, transient hypotension which responded to fluid therapy. A foreign report of the ingestion of 200 mg of isradipine with ethanol resulted only in flushing, tachycardia with ST depression on ECG, and hypotension, all of which were reversible. The ingestion of 5 mg of isradipine by a 22-month old child and the accidental ingestion of 100 mg of isradipine by a 58-year old female did not result in any sequelae. Available data suggest that, as with other dihydropyridines, overdosage with DynaCirc® (isradipine) might result in excessive peripheral vasodilatation with subsequent marked and probably prolonged systemic hypotension, and tachycardia. Emesis, gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal followed in 30 minutes by a saline cathartic would be reasonable therapy. Isradipine is highly protein-bound and not removed by hemodialysis. Overdosage characterized by clinically significant hypotension should be treated with active cardiovascular support including monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function, elevation of lower extremities, and attention to circulating fluid volume and urine output. A vasoconstrictor (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, or levarterenol) may be helpful in restoring a normotensive state, provided that there is no contraindication to its use. Refractory hypotension or AV conduction disturbances may be treated with intravenous calcium salts, or glucagon. Cimetidine should be withheld in such instances due to the risk of further increasing plasma isradipine levels. Significant lethality was observed in mice given oral doses of over 200 mg/kg and rabbits given about 50 mg/kg of isradipine. Rats tolerated doses of over 2000 mg/kg without effects on survival. CONTRAINDICATIONS DynaCirc® (isradipine) is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the formulation.

SIDE EFFECTS In a controlled clinical trial with DynaCirc CR® (isradipine), dose-related edema occurred at an incidence of approximately 9% at 5 mg; 13% at 10 mg; 16% at 15 mg; and 36% at the highest dose studied (20 mg), was mild to moderate in severity,and was not related to age or gender. The incidences of elicited or volunteered adverse reactions (excluding non-drug related) in the following tables are based on 6-week multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind hypertension studies. Less than 1% of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) or placebo-treated patients discontinued from these studies due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse experiences ( ≥ 1.0%) reported with DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) in a dose-response study are shown in the following table.There were no discontinuations of patients treated with DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) in this study due to these common side effects. Most Frequently Reported Newly-Occurring Adverse Reactions in Dose-Response Study Adverse Reactions (Excluding Non-Drug Related) DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) 5 mg (N=79) 10 mg (N=79) 15 mg (N=82) 20 mg (N=78) Placebo Group (N=83) Headache 13.9% 12.7% 18.3% 10.3% 15.7% Edema 8.9% 12.7% 15.9% 35.9% 3.6% Dizziness 5.1% 6.3% 3.7% 6.4% 2.4% Constipation 3.8% 1.3% 1.2% 2.6% 0.0% Fatigue 2.5% 7.6% 3.7% 3.8% 2.4% Flushing 2.5% 3.8% 1.2% 1.3% 1.2% Abdominal Discomfort 1.3% 5.1% 3.7% 5.1% 1.2% Rash 1.3% 1.3% 0.0% 2.6% 0.0% The table below shows elicited or volunteered adverse experiences for DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) treated patients in two 6-week, placebo-controlled, multicenter studies, at doses from 5-20 mg, and considered by the investigator to be at least possibly drug related.The results for DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) treated patients are presented for all doses pooled together (reported by at least 1.0% of active drug treated patients).The incidence of adverse reactions are listed below: Adverse Reactions (Excluding Non-Drug Related) Treatment Group DynaCirc CR®(isradipine) (N=422) Placebo (N=186) Edema 15.2% 2.2% Headache 13.0% 12.4% Dizziness 4.7% 2.7% Fatigue 4.3% 2.2% Abdominal Discomfort 2.8% 0.5% Flushing 1.9% 0.5% Constipation 1.7% 0.0% Palpitations 1.2% 0.0% Nausea 1.2% 1.6% Abdominal Distention 1.2% 0.0% The following adverse experiences were reported in 0.5%-1.0% or less of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) or immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) treated patients in hypertensive studies,or were noted in postmarketing experience with immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules. More serious events are shown in italics. The relationship of these adverse experiences to isradipine administration is uncertain. SKIN:Pruritus, urticaria, angioedema. MUSCULOSKELETAL: Backache/pain, joint pain,neck pain/sore/stiff,legs ache/pain,cramps of legs/feet. RESPIRATORY: Dyspnea, nasal congestion,cough. CARDIOVASCULAR: Epistaxis,tachycardia,chest pain,shortness of breath,hypotension, syncope,atrial or ventricular fibrillation,myocardial infarction,heart failure. GASTROINTESTINAL:Diarrhea,vomiting,appetite increased or decreased. UROGENITAL: Pollakiuria,impotence,dysuria,nocturia. CENTRAL NERVOUS: Drowsiness, insomnia, lethargy,nervousness, libido decrease/frigidity,impotence, depression, paresthesia (which includes numbness and tingling), transient ischemic attack,stroke. AUTONOMIC: Dry mouth,hyperhidrosis,visual disturbance. MISCELLANEOUS: Weight gain, throat discomfort, drug fever, leukopenia, elevated liver function tests. No gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported in clinical trials with DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) Controlled Release Tablets. In a long-term (one-year) DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) open-label, hypertension trial, the adverse events reported were generally the same as those seen in the short-term placebo-controlled studies. About 6% of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) treated patients discontinued the long-term trial due to adverse reactions. With immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules, most of the adverse experiences were transient, mild, and related to vasodilatory effects.The following table shows the most common adverse events reported in U.S.clinical tri-als for immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) Capsules, volunteered or elicited, and considered by the investigator to be at least possibly drug related. Adverse Experience DynaCirc® (isradipine) Placebo (N=297) % ActiveControls* (N=414) % All Doses 2.5 mg b.i.d. 5 mg b.i.d.† 10 mg b.i.d.†† Headache 13.7 12.6 10.7 22.0 14.1 9.4 Dizziness 7.3 8.0 5.3 3.4 4.4 8.2 Edema 7.2 3.5 8.7 8.5 3.0 2.9 Palpitations 4.0 1.0 4.7 5.1 1.4 1.5 Fatigue 3.9 2.5 2.0 8.5 0.3 6.3 Flushing 2.6 3.0 2.0 5.1 0.0 1.2 Chest Pain 2.4 2.5 2.7 1.7 2.4 2.9 Nausea 1.8 1.0 2.7 5.1 1.7 3.1 Dyspnea 1.8 0.5 2.7 3.4 1.0 2.2 Abdominal Discomfort 1.7 0.0 3.3 1.7 1.7 3.9 Tachycardia 1.5 1.0 1.3 3.4 0.3 0.5 Rash 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.7 0.3 0.7 Pollakiuria 1.5 2.0 1.3 3.4 0.0

SIDE EFFECTS In multiple dose U.S. studies in hypertension, 1228 patients received DynaCirc® (isradipine) alone or in combination with other agents, principally a thiazide diuretic, 934 of them in controlled comparisons with placebo or active agents. An additional 652 patients (which includes 374 normal volunteers) received DynaCirc® (isradipine) in U.S. studies of conditions other than hypertension, and 1321 patients received DynaCirc® (isradipine) in non-U.S. studies. About 500 patients received DynaCirc® (isradipine) in long-term hypertension studies, 410 of them for at least 6 months. The adverse reaction rates given below are principally based on controlled hypertension studies, but rarer serious events are derived from all exposures to DynaCirc® (isradipine), including foreign marketing experience. Most adverse reactions were mild and related to the vasodilatory effects of DynaCirc (isradipine) ® (dizziness, edema, palpitations, flushing, tachycardia), and many were transient. About 5% of isradipine patients left studies prematurely because of adverse reactions (vs. 3% of placebo patients and 6% of active control patients), principally due to headache, edema, dizziness, palpitations, and gastrointestinal disturbances. The following table shows the most common adverse reactions, volunteered or elicited, considered by the investigator to be at least possibly drug related. The results for the DynaCirc® (isradipine) treated patients are presented for all doses pooled together (reported by 1% or greater of patients receiving any dose of isradipine), and also for the two treatment regimens most applicable to the treatment of hypertension with DynaCirc® (isradipine): (1) initial and maintenance dose of 2.5 mg b.i.d., and (2) initial dose of 2.5 mg b.i.d. followed by maintenance dose of 5.0 mg b.i.d. DynaCirc® (isradipine) N= All Doses 934 2.5 mg b.i.d. 199 5 mg b.i.d.* 150 10 mg b.i.d.† 59 Placebo 297 Active Controls 414‡ Adverse Experience % % % % % % Headache 13.7 12.6 10.7 22.0 14.1 9.4 Dizziness 7.3 8.0 5.3 3.4 4.4 8.2 Edema 7.2 3.5 8.7 8.5 3.0 2.9 Palpitations 4.0 1.0 4.7 5.1 1.4 1.5 Fatigue 3.9 2.5 2.0 8.5 0.3 6.3 Flushing 2.6 3.0 2.0 5.1 0.0 1.2 Chest Pain 2.4 2.5 2.7 1.7 2.4 2.9 Nausea 1.8 1.0 2.7 5.1 1.7 3.1 Dyspnea 1.8 0.5 2.7 3.4 1.0 2.2 Abdominal Discomfort 1.7 0.0 3.3 1.7 1.7 3.9 Tachycardia 1.5 1.0 1.3 3.4 0.3 0.5 Rash 1.5 1.5 2.0 1.7 0.3 0.7 Pollakiuria 1.5 2.0 1.3 3.4 0.0 < 1.0 Weakness 1.2 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 1.2 Vomiting 1.1 1.0 1.3 0.0 0.3 0.2 Diarrhea 1.1 0.0 2.7 3.4 2.0 1.9 * Initial dose of 2.5 mg b.i.d. followed by maintenance dose of 5.0 mg b.i.d. † Initial dose of 2.5 mg b.i.d. followed by sequential titration to 5.0 mg b.i.d., 7.5 mg b.i.d., and maintenance dose of 10.0 mg b.i.d. ‡Propranolol, prazosin, hydrochlorothiazide, enalapril, captopril. Except for headache, which is not clearly drug-related (see previous table), the more frequent adverse reactions listed show little change, or increase slightly, in frequency over time, as shown in the following table: Incidence Rates for DynaCirc (isradipine) (All Doses) by Week (%) Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 N 94 906 649 847 432 494 Adverse Reaction Headache 6.5 6.1 5.2 5.2 5.8 4.5 Dizziness 1.6 1.9 1.7 2.2 2.3 2.0 Edema 1.2 2.5 3.2 3.2 5.3 5.5 Palpitations 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.9 2.1 1.4 Fatigue 0.4 1.0 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.6 Flushing 1.2 1.3 2.0 1.4 2.1 1.4 Week 7 8 9 10 11 12 N 153 377 261 362 107 105 Adverse Reaction Headache 2.0 2.7 1.9 2.8 2.8 3.8 Dizziness 2.0 1.9 2.3 3.9 4.7 3.8 Edema 5.9 5.0 4.6 4.7 3.8 3.8 Palpitations 1.3 0.8 0.8 1.7 1.9 2.9 Fatigue 2.0 2.7 1.5 1.4 0.9 1.9 Flushing 3.3 1.3 1.1 0.8 0.0 0.0 Edema, palpitations, fatigue, and flushing appear to be dose-related, especially at the higher doses of 15-20 mg/day. In open-label, long-term studies of up to two years in duration, the adverse events reported were generally the same as those reported in the short-term controlled trials. The overall frequencies of these adverse events were slightly higher in the long-term than in the controlled studies, but as in the controlled trials most adverse reactions were mild and transient. The following adverse experiences were reported in 0.5%-1.0% of the isradipine-treated patients in hypertension studies, or are rare. More serious events from this and other data sources, including postmarketing exposure, are shown in italics. The relationship of these adverse events to isradipine administration is uncertain. Skin: pruritus, urticaria Musculoskeletal: cramps of legs/feet Respiratory: cough Cardiovascular: shortness of breath, hypotension, atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, myocardial infarction, heart failure Gastrointestinal: abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea Urogenital: nocturia Nervous System: drowsiness, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, impotence, decreased libido, depression, syncope, paresthesia (which includes numbness and tingling), transient ischemicattack, stroke Autonomic: hyperhidrosis, visual disturbance, dry mouth, numbness Miscellaneous: throat discomfort, leukopenia, elevated liver function tests DRUG INTERACTIONS Nitroglycerin: DynaCirc® (isradipine) has been safely coadministered with nitroglycerin. Hydrochlorothiazide: A study in normal healthy volunteers has shown that concomitant administration of DynaCirc® (isradipine) and hydrochlorothiazide does not result in altered pharmacokinetics of either drug. In a study in hypertensive patients, addition of isradipine to existing hydrochlorothiazide therapy did not result in any unexpected adverse effects, and isradipine had an additional antihypertensive effect. Propranolol: In a single dose study in normal volunteers, co-administration of propranolol had a small effect on the rate but no effect on the extent of isradipine bioavailability. Significant increases in AUC (27%) and Cmax (58%) and decreases in tmax (23%) of propranolol were noted in this study. However, concomitant administrationof 5 mg b.i.d. isradipine and 40 mg b.i.d. propranolol to healthy volunteers under steady-state conditions had no relevant effect on either drug's bioavailability. AUC and Cmax differences were < 20% between isradipine given singly and in combination with propranolol, and between propranolol given singly and in combination with isradipine. Cimetidine: In a study in healthy volunteers, a one-week course of cimetidine at 400 mg b.i.d. with a single 5 mg dose of isradipine on the sixth day showed an increase in isradipine mean peak plasma concentrations (36%) and significant increase in area under the curve (50%). If isradipine therapy is initiated in a patient currently receiving cimetidine, careful monitoring for adverse reactions is advised and downward dose adjustment may be required. Rifampicin: In a study in healthy volunteers, a six-day course of rifampicin at 600 mg/day followed by a single 5 mg dose of isradipine resulted in a reduction in isradipine levels to below detectable limits. If rifampicin therapy is required, isradipine concentrations and therapeutic effects are likely to be markedly reduced or abolished as a consequence of increased metabolism and higher clearance of isradipine. Warfarin: In a study in healthy volunteers, no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction between isradipine and racemic warfarin was seen when two single oral doses of warfarin (0.7 mg/kg body weight) were administered during 11 days of multiple-dose treatment with 5 mg b.i.d. isradipine. Neither racemic warfarin nor isradipine binding to plasma proteins in vitro was altered by the addition of the other drug. Digoxin: The concomitant administration of DynaCirc® (isradipine) and digoxin in a single–dose pharmacokinetic study did not affect renal, nonrenal and total body clearance of digoxin. Fentanyl Anesthesia: Severe hypotension has been reported during fentanyl anesthesia with concomitant use of a beta blocker and a calcium channel blocker. Even though such interactions have not been seen in clinical studies with DynaCirc® (isradipine), an increased volume of circulating fluids might be required if such an interaction were to occur.

WARNINGS None PRECAUTIONS General Blood Pressure: Because DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) decreases peripheral resistance, like other calcium blockers DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) may occasionally produce symptomatic hypotension. However, symptoms like syncope and severe dizziness have rarely been reported in hypertensive patients administered DynaCirc CR® (isradipine), particularly at the initial recommended doses (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Use in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: Although acute hemodynamic studies in patients with congestive heart failure have shown that immediate-release DynaCirc® (isradipine) reduced afterload without impairing myocardial contractility, it has a negative inotropic effect at high doses in vitro and possibly in some patients. Caution should be exercised when using DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) in congestive heart failure patients, particularly in combination with a beta-blocker. Peripheral Edema: Peripheral edema, when it occurs, is usually mild to moderate in severity. It is a localized phenomenon thought to be associated with vasodilation of arterioles and other small blood vessels,and not due to left ventricular dysfunction or generalized fluid retention. Peripheral edema is dose-related with an incidence ranging from approximately 9% at 5 mg; 13% at 10 mg; 16% at 15 mg; and 36% at the highest dose studied (20 mg once-daily). With patients whose hypertension is complicated by congestive heart failure, care should be taken to differentiate this edema from the effects of decreasing left ventricular function. Although the frequency of edema is correlated with dose, no DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) treated patients discontinued the short-term (6 weeks or less), placebo-controlled hypertension studies as a result of edema. Less than 5% of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) treated patients in long-term studies discontinued due to edema. Other: As with any other non-deformable material, caution should be used when administering DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) in patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal narrowing (pathologic or iatrogenic).There have been reports of obstructive symptoms in patients with known strictures associated with ingestion of other GITS products. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,Impairment of Fertility Treatment of male rats for 2 years with 2.5, 12.5, or 62.5 mg/kg/day isradipine admixed with the diet (approximately 6, 31, and 156 times the maximum recommended daily dose based on a 50 kg man) resulted in dose dependent increases in the incidence of benign Leydig cell tumors and testicular hyperplasia relative to untreated control animals. These findings, which were replicated in a subsequent experiment, may have been indirectly related to an effect of isradipine on circulating gonadotropin levels in the rats; a comparable endocrine effect was not evident in male patients receiving therapeutic doses of the drug on a chronic basis. Treatment of mice for two years with 2.5, 15, or 80 mg/kg/day isradipine in the diet (approximately 6,38,and 200 times the maximum recommended dose based on a 50 kg man) showed no evidence of oncogenicity. There was no evidence of mutagenic potential based on the results of a battery of mutagenic tests.No effect on fertility was observed in male and female rats treated with up to 60 mg/kg/day isradipine. Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C: Isradipine was administered orally to rats and rabbits during organogenesis. Treatment of pregnant rats with doses of 6, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day produced a significant reduction in maternal weight gain during treatment with the highest dose (150 times the maximum recommended human daily dose) but with no lasting effects on the mother or the offspring.Treatment ofpregnant rabbits with doses of 1,3,or 10mg/kg/day (2.5,7.5,and 25 times the maximum recommended human daily dose) produced decrements in maternal body weight gain and increased fetal resorption at the two higher doses.There was no evidence of embryotoxicity at doses which were not maternotoxic and no evidence of teratogenicity at any dose tested.In a peri/postnatal administration study in rats,reduced maternal body weight gain during late pregnancy at oral doses of 20 and 60 mg/kg/day isradipine was associated with reduced birth weights and decreased peri and postnatal pup survival. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit outweighs potential risks. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether DynaCirc® (isradipine) is excreted in human milk.Because many drugs are excreted in human milk,and because of the potential for adverse effects of DynaCirc® (isradipine) on nursing infants,a decision should be made as to whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children. Geriatric Use Clinical studies of DynaCirc CR® (isradipine) did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Elderly patients have deceased clearance of DynaCirc® (isradipine) with a higher average AUC and Cmax (see Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism).The larger extent of bioavailability may be a result of a reduced clearance and/or reduced first-pass metabolism of the drug. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious,reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal,or cardiac function,and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

WARNINGS None PRECAUTIONS General Blood pressure Because DynaCirc® (isradipine) decreases peripheral resistance, like other calcium blockers DynaCirc® (isradipine) may occasionally produce symptomatic hypotension. However, symptoms like syncope and severe dizziness have rarely been reported in hypertensive patients administered DynaCirc® (isradipine), particularly at the initial recommended doses (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Use in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure Although acute hemodynamic studies in patients with congestive heart failure have shown that DynaCirc® (isradipine) reduced afterload without impairing myocardial contractility, it has a negative inotropic effect at high doses in vitro, and possibly in some patients. Caution should be exercised when using the drug in congestive heart failure patients, particularly in combination with a beta-blocker. Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility Treatment of male rats for 2 years with 2.5, 12.5, or 62.5 mg/kg/day isradipine admixed with the diet (approximately 6, 31, and 156 times the maximum recommended daily dose based on a 50 kg man) resulted in dose dependent increases in the incidence of benign Leydig cell tumors and testicular hyperplasia relative to untreated control animals. These findings, which were replicated in a subsequent experiment, may have been indirectly related to an effect of isradipine on circulating gonadotropin levels in the rats; a comparable endocrine effect was not evident in male patients receiving therapeutic doses of the drug on a chronic basis. Treatment of mice for two years with 2.5, 15, or 80 mg/kg/day isradipine in the diet (approximately 6, 38, and 200 times the maximum recommended daily dose based on a 50 kg man) showed no evidence of oncogenicity. There was no evidence of mutagenic potential based on the results of a battery of mutagenic tests. No effect on fertility was observed in male and female rats treated with up to 60 mg/kg/day isradipine. Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Isradipine was administered orally to rats and rabbits during organogenesis. Treatment of pregnant rats with doses of 6, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day produced a significant reduction in maternal weight gain during treatment with the highest dose (150 times the maximum recommended human daily dose) but with no lasting effects on the mother or the offspring. Treatment of pregnant rabbits with doses of 1,3, or 10 mg/kg/day (2.5, 7.5, and 25 times the maximum recommended human daily dose) produced decrements in maternal body weight gain and increased fetal resorption at the two higher doses. There was no evidence of embryotoxicity at doses which were not maternotoxic and no evidence of teratogenicity at any dose tested. In a peri/postnatal administration study in rats, reduced maternal body weight gain during late pregnancy at oral doses of 20 and 60 mg/kg/day isradipine was associated with reduced birth weights and decreased peri and postnatal pup survival. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of DynaCirc® (isradipine) during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefit outweighs potential risks. Nursing mothers It is not known whether DynaCirc® (isradipine) is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for adverse effects of DynaCirc® (isradipine) on nursing infants, a decision should be made as to whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Pediatric use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.