Felodipine (By mouth)
fe-LOE-di-peen
Treats high blood pressure. A lower blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. This medicine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB).
Drug classes
Antianginal, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Felodipine is used alone or together with other medicines 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.
Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. Felodipine relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, which reduces the workload.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. It may also be taken with a light meal.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cimetidine (Tagamet®), tacrolimus (Prograf®), medicine to treat an infection (such as erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Nizoral®), or medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Dilantin®).
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to felodipine.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or heart disease.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Stand or sit up slowly if you are dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Swelling of the gums
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Plendil, Plendil ER
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
