Dynacirc CR and Red yeast rice

• Generic Name: isradipine
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Dynacirc, Dynacirc CR

Isradipine is used alone or together with other medicines (such as hydrochlorothiazide) to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .

Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, isradipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload .

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription .

• Generic Name: red yeast rice
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Cholestin

Red yeast rice is a product that is made by fermenting red rice with a certain type of yeast. Red yeast rice is also known as Cholestin, Hypocol, Xuezhikang, or Zhitai.

Red yeast rice supplements are not the same as red yeast rice that is sold in Chinese grocery stores.

Red yeast rice has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood.

Red yeast rice has been used as a possibly effective aid in reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, or death in people with a history of heart attack.

Red yeast rice has also been used as a possibly effective aid in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Red yeast rice has been used to treat high blood pressure. However, research has shown that red yeast rice may not be effective in treating this condition.

Other uses not proven with research have included: lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, improving blood circulation, lowering liver enzymes associated with liver damage, and treating diarrhea, indigestion, or other stomach problems.

It is not certain whether red yeast rice is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Red yeast rice should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Red yeast rice is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Red yeast rice may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.