Drug NamePlendil (Felodipine) Drug UsesPlendil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Felodipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. By blocking calcium, this medication relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. How to useTake this medication by mouth usually once a day on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, Plendil may be taken with a light meal. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, which can destroy the long action of the drug and increase side effects. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent chest pain. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Drug Class and MechanismPlendil is an oral calcium- channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class. Other calcium channel blockers in the DHP class include nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), amlodipine (Norvasc), nisoldipine (Sular), nicardipine (Cardene), and isradipine (Dynacirc). Calcium is necessary for muscle cells to contract. Plendil prevents calcium from being released within the muscle cells of the small arteries and thereby causes the muscles to relax and the arteries to dilate or expand. Plendil has little or no effect on the muscles of veins or the heart . Plendil was approved by the FDA in 1991. Missed DoseIf you miss a dose of Zyvox, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Storage Store the US product at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Possible Side EffectsDizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet (edema). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or worsening chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat. Although unlikely, Plendil may cause mild swelling of the gums. Massage your gums and brush and floss your teeth regularly to minimize this problem. See your dentist regularly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. More InformationDo not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor and inform him/her of your blood pressure readings. Warnings/PrecautionsBefore taking Plendil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the arms and legs (edema). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
What is felodipine?
Felodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Felodipine relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.
Felodipine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Felodipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about felodipine?
Do not stop taking felodipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums may be a side effect from treatment with felodipine. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with felodipine. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking felodipine?
Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease; or
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another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.
You may not be able to take felodipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Felodipine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether felodipine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether felodipine passes into breast milk. Do not take felodipine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from felodipine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take felodipine?
Take felodipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take each dose consistently either without food or with a light meal.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole. Do not stop taking felodipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with felodipine. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums may be a side effect from treatment with felodipine. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.
Store felodipine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a felodipine overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
What should I avoid while taking felodipine?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with felodipine. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.
Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking felodipine.
Felodipine side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking felodipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
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chest pain;
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severe dizziness or fainting;
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abnormal behavior or psychosis;
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jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or
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swelling of the legs, ankles, or face.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take felodipine and talk to your doctor if you experience
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fatigue or tiredness;
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headache;
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insomnia or difficulty sleeping;
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swelling of your gums;
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nausea or diarrhea;
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increased or difficult urination;
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muscle or joint discomfort; or
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flushing (redness).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect felodipine?
Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
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another heart medication to treat the same or another condition;
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erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, others);
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itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
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cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
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carbamazepine (Tegretol);
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phenytoin (Dilantin); or
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rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin).
You may not be able to take felodipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with felodipine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about felodipine written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Felodipine is available with a prescription under the brand name Plendil. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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Plendil 2.5 mg--sage-green, round, convex tablets
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Plendil 5 mg--light-reddish-brown, round, convex tablets
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Plendil 10 mg--reddish-brown, round, convex tablets
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