Plendil (Felodipine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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 »

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Plendil Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking felodipine (Plendil)?

Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor if you have

liver disease; or
another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

You may not be able to take felodipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Felodipine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether felodipine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether felodipine passes into breast milk. Do not take felodipine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from felodipine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take felodipine (Plendil)?

Take felodipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take each dose consistently either without food or with a light meal.

Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.

Do not stop taking felodipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with felodipine. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums may be a side effect from treatment with felodipine. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.

Store felodipine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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