Felodipine
Felodipine extended-release tablets
What are felodipine extended-release tablets?
FELODIPINE (Plendilreg;) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Felodipine reduces high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. Generic felodipine extended-release tablets are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take felodipine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- heart problems, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
- liver disease
- previous heart attack
- an unusual or allergic reaction to felodipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take felodipine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water, do not crush or chew. Take felodipine tablets regularly either on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Do not take Felodipine with grapefruit juice or grapefruit. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber’s advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with felodipine?
Do not take Felodipine with any of the following:
grapefruit juice
Felodipine may also interact with the following medications:
- antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
- barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- bosentan
- cimetidine
- cyclosporine
- herbal or dietary supplements such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John’s wort, went yeast
- imatinib, STI-571
- local anesthetics or general anesthetics
- medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
- medicines E’
Revision date: July 9, 2011
Last revised: by Dave R. Roger, M.D.
Drugs & Medications
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.