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

Pill Identifier Search

February 7, 2012

Plendil

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) »

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...

Read the Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Plendil User Reviews >>

Plendil

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures

Take the Salt Quiz!

9644397

Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

font size

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Plendil »

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...

Read All Potential Precautions of Plendil »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/19/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.