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Plendil

What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and how do they work?

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries.

  • The entry of calcium is critical for the conduction of the electrical signal that passes from muscle cell to muscle cell of the heart, and signals the cells to contract.
  • It also is necessary in order for the muscle cells to contract and thereby pump blood.
  • In the arteries, the entry of calcium into muscle cells causes contraction of the cells and thereby dilates (widens) the arteries.
  • Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries.
  • Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
  • Combined with decr...

Plendil

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Plendil Drug Center

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

Plendil (felodipine) is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Plendil is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Plendil is available in generic form. Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset as your body adjusts to the medication.

The recommended starting dose of Plendil is 5 mg once/day, which may be decreased to 2.5 mg or increased to 10 mg once/day, depending on the patient response. Plendil may adversely interact with other medications for high blood pressure, intravenous (IV) calcium, azole antifungals, anti-seizure medications, cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics, or tacrolimus. Check labels on all medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) as they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your doctor about the safe use of these products. Plendil should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Our Plendil Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions articles.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Plendil Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

PLENDIL (felodipine) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

PLENDIL (felodipine) may be used alone or concomitantly with other antihypertensive agents.

Read the complete drug monograph for Plendil »

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Plendil Patient Information: Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking felodipine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
  • chest pain;
  • severe dizziness or fainting;
  • abnormal behavior or psychosis;
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or
  • swelling of the legs, ankles, or face.

Other, less serious side e...

Read the complete patient information for Plendil »

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Plendil Consumer Information: Uses

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

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if...

Read the complete consumer information for Plendil »

What is Plendil Consumer Information?

Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More

Plendil - User Reviews

Plendil User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Plendil sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Hypertension

Get tips on handling your hypertension.