Cardiovascular effects of isradipine (Lomir) with special emphasis on haemodynamics and antihypertensive efficacy. A review.

The haemodynamic response achieved by isradipine (Lomir) is balanced; there is a marked decrease in total peripheral resistance with no clinically significant tachycardia or cardiodepressant effect, no fluid retention (a natriuretic/diuretic effect is seen) or orthostatic reactions, whereas the blood flow to vital organs is preserved. Isradipine is highly efficacious in monotherapy and has shown greater or equal efficacy compared to other first line antihypertensive drugs, without an increase in adverse effects. Combination therapy with a beta-blocker or an ACE-inhibitor is safe and offers a useful additional reduction in blood pressure. Isradipine's antiatherogenic properties, cardioprotection, and capacity to reduce cerebral infarct size require further evaluation in clinical studies but add an interesting aspect to the drug. Against this background, isradipine appears to be a useful contribution to our therapeutic arsenal and has the potential to become the drug of choice in the treatment of hypertension.