Prescal

What is it?

An antihypertensive preparation which is a class II calcium antagonist, available as scored yellow tablets containing 2.5mg of isradipine marked NM and CIBA.

Medical Uses

High blood pressure.

Dosage

1 tablet in the morning and at night, increasing after 3 or 4 weeks to 2 twice each day if needed. Maximum dose is 4 tablets twice each day. Elderly, half a tablet twice each day at first.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, sick sinus syndrome, diabetes, low blood pressure, weak heart.

Avoid Use

Children, narrowed aorta (aortic stenosis), within 1 month of heart attack, heart shock, patients who have had more than 1 heart attack.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs affecting P450, cimetidine, crnticonvulsants, rifampicin, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, headache, giddiness, worsening of angina, flushing, fluid retention in hands and feet, pain in abdomen, raised levels of transaminase enzymes in blood, gain in weight, tiredness, skin rashes.

Manufacturer

Novartis.