Generic name: felodipine [ fe-LOE-di-peen ]
Drug class: Calcium channel blockers

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

What is Plendil?

Plendil is a prescription medicine used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure in adults.

Plendil belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. Felodipine works by relaxing the blood vessels so your heart does not have to pump as hard.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Warnings

Before taking Plendil, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or congestive heart failure.

Many drugs can interact with Plendil. Tell your doctor about all other medications you use.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using Plendil as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly while taking this medication. Plendil can cause mild swelling of your gums, which may be avoided with good dental hygiene.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Plendil if you are allergic to felodipine.

To make sure Plendil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• low blood pressure;

• congestive heart failure; or

• liver disease.

May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take Plendil?

Take Plendil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Plendil is usually taken once per day.

You may take Plendil with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, break, or dissolve it.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Do not change your dose or stop taking any medication without your doctor's advice.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and blood tests.

Pay special attention to your dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly while receiving this medication.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once a day

Comments: If needed, dose adjustments should generally occur at intervals of at least 2 weeks.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 2.5 to 5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once a day

Comments: If needed, dose adjustments should generally occur at intervals of at least 2 weeks.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

(Not approved by FDA)

NIH and NHLBI recommendations:
1 year or older:
Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 2.5 to 10 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Related/similar drugs

amlodipine, lisinopril, aspirin, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, diltiazem, nitroglycerin

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include slow heart rate, low blood pressure, warmth or tingling, and a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking Plendil?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Grapefruit may interact with felodipine and cause side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.

Plendil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Plendil: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Felodipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening chest pain, fast heart rate;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or

• heart problems - swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath.

Common Plendil side effects may include:

• swelling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;

• headache;

• dizziness; weakness; or

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Plendil?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may interact with felodipine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: felodipine.
Inactive ingredients, 2.5mg tablets: hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, FD& C Blue 2, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, and other ingredients.
Inactive ingredients, 5mg and 10mg tablets: cellulose, red and yellow oxide, lactose, polyethylene glycol, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients.

Manufacturer

AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE 19850, USA

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Plendil only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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