Felodipine

Brand Name:Plendil, Renedil

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Felodipine is used (alone or in combination with other medications) to lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure (hypertension) and reduce the symptoms of angina (chest pain).

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it or similar drugs like amlodipine or nifedipine. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • aortic stenosis
  • problems with your liver
  • swelling (edema) of your ankles or feet
  • congestive heart failure

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • swelling of the ankles or feet
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • flushing
  • feeling tired

These side effects may be related to dose and may decrease with time.

Other less common side effects:

  • irregular or fast heartbeat, heart palpitations
  • not feeling hungry, nausea
  • constipation
  • rarely, it may worsen angina pain at the start of therapy
  • muscle pain or cramping

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact and change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • other medications to treat high blood pressure (may increase your chance of experiencing low blood pressure)
  • if you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure, be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure - these include some cough and cold medicines; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
  • itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, cimetidine, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir), amiodarone, clarithromycin, erythromycin, diltiazem, verapamil (may increase the amount of felodipine in your blood)
  • cyclosporine (may increase amount of felodipine in your blood)
  • rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin - may see a decrease in the amount of felodpine in your blood
  • St. John’s Wort - may see a decrease in the amount of felodipine in the blood

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions and Follow-up

  • Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to see how well felodipine is working
  • Do not take felodipine with grapefruit juice
  • Do not crush, chew or break the tablet

Children: If prescribed, a reduced dose may be required.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary.

Pregnant women: Generally not prescribed. Safer drugs are available. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: Drug passes into the breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally. May cause dizziness.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause severe drowsiness, dizziness or a very low blood pressure. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping the drug will likely cause your blood pressure to increase or your other symptoms of chest pain (angina) to return.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. Do not take it if it has been more than 12 hours since you missed your dose. Wait and take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take more than one dose at a time.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always away from children.

Alcohol: If you drink, always drink in moderation. Consuming too much alcohol may cause a decrease in blood pressure and dizziness.

Dietary precautions: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit as it may decrease the breakdown of felodipine in the body, cause higher levels in the blood and an increased chance for side effects.