Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine class, primarily used to treat hypertension and certain cardiac conditions by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. It was developed in the 1980s and introduced in the early 1990s as an effective antihypertensive agent, offering advantages such as once- or twice-daily dosing and a favorable side-effect profile compared to earlier calcium channel blockers. Isradipine works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells, thereby reducing vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure. Over time, it has also been explored for potential benefits in conditions like angina and neurological disorders related to calcium dysregulation.
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