Generic name: felodipine [ fe-LOE-di-peen ]
Brand name: Plendil
Dosage form: oral tablet, extended release (10 mg; 2.5 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Calcium channel blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 28, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is felodipine?

Felodipine is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure in adults.

Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Felodipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Felodipine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Felodipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening chest pain, fast heart rate;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Common side effects of felodipine may include:

• swelling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;

• headache;

• dizziness; weakness; or

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use felodipine if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• low blood pressure;

• congestive heart failure; or

• liver disease.

May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take felodipine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Felodipine is usually taken once per day.

You may take felodipine with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, break, or dissolve it.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Keep using felodipine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Do not change your dose or stop taking any medication without your doctor's advice.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Pay special attention to your dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly while receiving this medication.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Felodipine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once a day

Comments: If needed, dose adjustments should generally occur at intervals of at least 2 weeks.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 2.5 to 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once a day

Comments: If needed, dose adjustments should generally occur at intervals of at least 2 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

(Not approved by FDA)

NIH and NHLBI recommendations:
1 year or older:
Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, low blood pressure, warmth or tingling, and a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking felodipine?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Grapefruit may interact with felodipine and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect felodipine?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect felodipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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