Felodipine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

Plendil

Drug group:

Anti-angina and antihypertensive drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Felodipine is an antihypertensive drug used to treat:

• Hypertension: either alone or with a drug from a different class
• Angina: either alone or with a beta blocker

 

Felodipine is not usually prescribed to people with unstable angina or heart failure.

 

How does it work?

Felodipine is calcium channel blocker - it relaxes the muscles in the lining of the small blood vessels, causing them to dilate (vasodilation). This allows blood to be pumped more easily throughout the body, lowering blood pressure.

 

How should it be used?

• Tablets should be swallowed whole with at least half a glass of water; do not chew or crush
• Felodipine should not be taken with grapefruit juice

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets taken once daily in the morning
• Hypertension: initially 5mg daily (2.5mg for elderly people), increased to 10mg daily
• Angina: 5mg daily, increased to 10mg if needed

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1–2 hours                 
           

How long will the effects last?

24 hours                  

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor  
                                  

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected                                                                   

 

What are the possible side effects?

Most side effects are transient.

The following have been reported:

• More common: flushing, headache, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness (especially at the start of treatment), ankle swelling, tinnitus
• Less common: gingivitis
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: worsening of angina

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: heart/liver problems, angina, recent heart attack, aortic stenosis, lactose intolerance
• Other medicines: other antihypertensives, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, atazanavir, ritonavir, antiepileptics, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, theophylline/aminophylline
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced doses necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: caution, the drug can cause dizziness
• Alcohol: Avoid, alcohol may increase dizziness especially at the start of treatment