Plendil (Felodipine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Plendil

High Blood Pressure »

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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PLENDIL
(felodipine) Extended-Release Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

PLENDIL (felodipine) is a calcium antagonist (calcium channel blocker). Felodipine is a dihydropyridine derivative that is chemically described as ± ethyl methyl 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1,4- dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate. Its empirical formula is C₁₈H₁₉Cl₂NO₄ and its structural formula is:

PLENDIL (felodipine) structural formula illustration

Felodipine is a slightly yellowish, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 384.26. It is insoluble in water and is freely soluble in dichloromethane and ethanol. Felodipine is a racemic mixture.

Tablets PLENDIL provide extended release of felodipine. They are available as tablets containing 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or

10 mg of felodipine for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient felodipine, the tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: Tablets PLENDIL (felodipine) 2.5 mg - hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, FD&C Blue 2, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and other ingredients. Tablets PLENDIL (felodipine) 5 mg and 10 mg - cellulose, red and yellow oxide, lactose, polyethylene glycol, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of felodipine (Plendil)?

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...

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What are the precautions when taking felodipine (Plendil)?

Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the arms and legs (edema).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/3/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.