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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...

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Plendil Consumer (continued)

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

See also How to Use section.

Before using this medication, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other medications for high blood pressure, intravenous (IV) calcium.

Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take drugs affecting the removal of felodipine from your system (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers) such as: azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), certain anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), tacrolimus.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, slow heartbeat, severe weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor and inform him/her of your blood pressure readings.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and 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 and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised June 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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