Uses
What is felodipine used for?
Felodipine is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
Felodipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does felodipine work (mechanism of action)?
Felodipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is felodipine supplied (dosage forms)?
Felodipine is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 2.5 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 5 mg extended-release oral tablets
- 10 mg extended-release oral tablets
How should I store felodipine?
Felodipine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of felodipine?
The most common side effects of felodipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
- Hot or warm feeling in your face (flushing)
- Headache
There may be other side effects of felodipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of felodipine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of felodipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Felodipine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Severe Allergic Reactions. Felodipine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using felodipine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use felodipine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take felodipine.
- Plendil
- Felodipine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific felodipine products they stock.
What should I know about felodipine before using it?
Do not take felodipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not chew, cut, or crush felodipine extended-release tablets.
Do not share felodipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep felodipine out of the reach of children.
Felodipine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how felodipine affects you.
Swelling of the gums has occurred in some people taking this medicine. Maintaining proper dental hygiene may help prevent this from happening.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using felodipine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if felodipine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how felodipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take felodipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if felodipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop felodipine.
Interactions
Does felodipine interact with foods or drinks?
Felodipine should be taken consistently either on an empty stomach or with a small meal.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect felodipine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking felodipine.
Drinking grapefruit juice can lead to increased levels of felodipine in the body, which may increase the risk of side effects.
Does felodipine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking felodipine.
- Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), a medicine used for fungal infections
- Erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn
- A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
- Tacrolimus, which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Any medicine used to treat and prevent seizures
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of felodipine, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with felodipine. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much felodipine?
If you or someone else has used too much felodipine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of felodipine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Felodipine (Plendil)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.