Felodipine

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (fe loe' di peen)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. Felodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.


How should this medicine be used?

Felodipine comes as an extended release tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. To help you remember to take felodipine, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take felodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Felodipine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take felodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking felodipine without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking felodipine,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to felodipine, any other medications, or any ingredients in felodipine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and phenobarbital; cimetidine (Tagamet); erythromycin (E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-tab); itraconazole (Sporanox); ketoconazole (Nizoral); ranitidine (Zantac); and tacrolimus (Astagraf SL, Prograf).
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking felodipine, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take felodipine.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Felodipine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • headache
  • flushing
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • weakness
  • fast heartbeat
  • heartburn
  • constipation
  • enlargement of gum tissue around teeth
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
  • swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • fainting
  • rash


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Dihydropyridines
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Agents Acting on the Renin-Angiotensin System
  • ACE Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Dihydropyridine Derivatives
  • Selective Calcium Channel Blockers With Mainly Vascular Effects
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C8 Inhibit
Prescribed For the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.
Weight :384.254
Structure Felodipine
Generic Drug Felodipine prescribed For the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.
Formula

C18H19Cl2NO4

Felodipine has 9 Brands listed


Felogard ER (10 mg)Felogard ER (2.5 mg)
Felogard ER (5 mg)Plendil (10 mg)
Plendil (2.5 mg)Plendil (5 mg)
Renedil (10 mg)Renedil (2.5 mg)
Renedil (5 mg)

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