Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Felodipine
Other Names: Plendil Extended-Release Tablets
Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blockers
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Felodipine Extended-Release Tablets? (Back to top)
FELODIPINE is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to lower high blood pressure. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart problems, low blood pressure, slow or 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 use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. Take this medicine either on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional how you can gradually reduce the dose.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
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 may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• grapefruit juice

• cimetidine
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and erythromycin
• some medicines for heart-rhythm problems
• tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fainting spells, lightheadedness
• irregular heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations
• swelling of the legs and ankles

• constipation
• decreased sexual function or desire
• facial flushing
• headache
• nausea
• weakness or tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact him or her.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can cause dental problems for some patients. Clean and floss your teeth carefully and regularly. Check with your dentist if your gums get swollen or inflamed and have the dentist clean your teeth regularly.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:October 26, 2006

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