Felodipine

Felodipine is a medication that is used for treating high blood pressure. This medication helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Felodipine, which is only available by prescription, comes in the form of an extended-release tablet and is usually taken once a day. Possible side effects include dizziness, weakness, and headaches.

 

What Is Felodipine?

Felodipine (Plendil®) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
(Click What Is Felodipine Used For? for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Side Effects of Felodipine

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with felodipine.
 However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Swelling of the lower legs, feet, or hands (peripheral edema)
  • Headaches
  • Flushing (redness of the skin, especially the face)
  • Weakness
  • Upset stomach or indigestion
  • Dizziness.
     
(Click Felodipine Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of the drug, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about possible side effects by going to:
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Felodipine for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take this medication.)
 

Dosing

The dose your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Felodipine Dosing for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions With Felodipine

Felodipine can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Felodipine for more information.)
 

Overdose

People who take too much felodipine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A slow heart rate (bradycardia).
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Felodipine Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Felodipine tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep felodipine and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your felodipine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

How Does It Work?

Felodipine is part of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by slowing down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channels do not. Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not have an effect on the heart rate.
 

Effects

Felodipine decreases blood pressure, reducing the risks that can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). In clinical studies, the drug reduced systolic blood pressure by up to 18 mmHg, on average, and reduced diastolic blood pressure by 10.8 mmHg, on average.
 

When and How to Take Felodipine

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • Felodipine comes in the form of a tablet. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day.
     
  • Because felodipine tablets are extended release, they should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. Be sure to swallow the tablets whole.
     
  • It should be taken with food.
     
  • It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Who Makes Felodipine?

It is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

Strengths

Felodipine tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Felodipine 2.5 mg tablets
  • Felodipine 5 mg tablets
  • Felodipine 10 mg tablets.
     

Generic Felodipine

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of felodipine are licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Plendil for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;