Drug Name

Plendil (Felodipine)

Drug Uses

Plendil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps halt strokes, heart attacks, as well as kidney problems. Felodipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. By blocking calcium, this medication relaxes as well as widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

How Taken

Take this medication by mouth usually once a day on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. Incase stomach upset occurs, Plendil may be used with a light meal. Dosage is based on your health examination condition as well as response to therapy. Swallow this medication whole. Do not grind, bite, or break the tablets, which can destroy the extended action of the drug as well as increase side effects. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the alike time each day as directed. It is substantial to continue using this medication even incase you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. This drug is not effective incase you take it only when chest pain occurs. It is very substantial to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help halt chest pain. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream.Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not halt using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Plendil is an oral calcium- channel blocker (CCB) of the dihydropyridine (DHP) class. Other calcium channel blockers in the DHP class include nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), amlodipine (Norvasc), nisoldipine (Sular), nicardipine (Cardene), as well as isradipine (Dynacirc). Calcium is essential for muscle cells to contract. Plendil prevents calcium from being released within the muscle cells of the tiny arteries as well as thereby causes the muscles to relax as well as the arteries to dilate or expand. Plendil has little or no effect on the muscles of veins or the heart . Plendil was approved by the FDA in 1991.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Incase it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store the US product at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light as well as moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 as well as 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light as well as moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children as well as pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Before using Plendil, tell your doctor or pharmacist incase you are allergic to it; or incase you possess any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your health examination history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the arms as well as legs (edema). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. This drug may make you dizzy; take caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness as well as lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks as well as benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Likely Side Effects

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Incase any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately incase any of these humorless side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet (edema). Tell your doctor immediately incase any of these unlikely but humorless side effects occur: recent or worsening chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat. Although unlikely, Plendil may cause mild swelling of the gums. Massage your gums as well as brush as well as floss your teeth regularly to minimize this problem. See your dentist regularly. Tell your doctor immediately incase any of these highly unlikely but very humorless side effects occur: fainting. Incase you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, as well as dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that may benefit you. Possess your blood pressure checked regularly while using this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor as well as inform him/her of your blood pressure readings.