Take Felodipine exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount.

Tips for using Felodipine:

• Take it once a day at the same time each day, either with or without food.

   

• Swallow the tablet whole—do not chew, crush, or split the tablet.

   

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses.

   

• If you have any questions about how to take it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

   

Felodipine helps manage high blood pressure over time, but it’s important to continue taking it even if you feel well. Stopping it suddenly could cause your blood pressure to rise again.

Felodipine works by blocking the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. Calcium is needed for the muscles in the blood vessels and heart to contract and tighten. By blocking calcium, Felodipine helps to relax and widen the blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to flow and lowers blood pressure.

For people with angina, the relaxation of blood vessels means that the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, reducing the chest pain caused by limited blood flow to the heart.

Like all medicines, Felodipine can cause side effects. Some people may experience mild side effects, while others may have more serious reactions.

Common side effects:

• Swelling in the feet or ankles (also known as edema)

   

• Headache

   

• Dizziness or light-headedness (especially when standing up quickly)

   

• Flushing (feeling hot or red in the face)

   

• Fatigue (feeling tired)

   

• Nausea

   

Serious side effects (though rare):

• Severe allergic reactions: Rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat

   

• Severe dizziness or fainting: This can occur if your blood pressure drops too much

   

• Heart problems: In rare cases, Felodipine can cause fast or irregular heartbeats

   

If you experience any of the serious side effects, stop taking Felodipine and seek immediate medical attention.

Felodipine is generally safe, but it’s important to use it carefully. There are certain warnings and precautions to be aware of:

• Low blood pressure: Felodipine can lower blood pressure, so if you already have low blood pressure or are taking other blood pressure medicines, your doctor will monitor you closely.

   

• Heart problems: If you have a history of heart disease, heart failure, or other heart issues, tell your doctor before starting Felodipine. It may not be suitable for people with severe heart problems.

   

• Liver or kidney disease: Felodipine should be used with caution if you have liver or kidney problems.

   

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Felodipine is not recommended during pregnancy unless necessary, and it’s important to discuss its use if you are breastfeeding.

   

Always follow your doctor’s advice and attend regular check-ups to ensure the medicine is working well for you.

Felodipine can interact with other medications, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Felodipine can interact with:

• Other blood pressure medicines: These can make blood pressure drop too much when used with Felodipine.

   

• Grapefruit juice: Can increase the effect of Felodipine, which may cause low blood pressure or other side effects.

   

• Certain antifungal medicines (like ketoconazole) and HIV medications: These can increase the levels of Felodipine in your body.

   

• Cimetidine: A medicine for heartburn that may increase the effect of Felodipine.

   

Always consult with your doctor before taking new medications or supplements while on Felodipine.

The right dose of Felodipine depends on your condition, age, and response to the medicine.

Typical dosages:

• Start with 5 mg once a day.

   

• Your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once a day, depending on how well your blood pressure is controlled.

   

If you are elderly or have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may start with a lower dose to avoid side effects.

Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor. Take Felodipine exactly as prescribed for the best results.

Felodipine is a prescription-only medication, which means you need a doctor’s prescription to get it.

Before prescribing Felodipine, your doctor will:

• Review your medical history, including any heart, liver, or kidney problems

   

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly

   

• Discuss any other medicines you are taking to avoid dangerous interactions

   

Felodipine should only be taken as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and regular check-ups.

• What is Felodipine used for?
  It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and sometimes chronic stable angina (chest pain).
  Lowering blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

• What is the brand name?
  Plendil® (brand), though generics are widely available.

• What type of medication is Felodipine?
  It is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) — specifically a dihydropyridine type.

• How does Felodipine work?
  It relaxes the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls, causing them to widen (vasodilation), which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

• How is Felodipine taken?
  By mouth, as an extended-release (ER) tablet, once daily, swallowed whole (do not crush or chew).

• What are the available strengths?
  Commonly 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets.

• When should I take Felodipine?
  Usually taken once daily, at the same time each day — often in the morning.
  Take with or without food, but be consistent in how you take it.

• What are the common side effects?
  Headache, flushing, dizziness, ankle or foot swelling (edema), palpitations, and fatigue.

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare, but possible:

  • Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)

  • Worsening chest pain or heart attack in patients with severe coronary artery disease (usually when starting therapy)

  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, or trouble breathing)

• Can Felodipine cause ankle swelling?
  Yes, mild peripheral edema is common due to blood vessel dilation in the lower legs.

• Does Felodipine affect heart rate?
  It may cause a mild increase in heart rate (reflex tachycardia), especially at the start of therapy.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking Felodipine?
  Limit alcohol — it can enhance blood pressure–lowering effects and cause dizziness.

• Can Felodipine be used with other blood pressure medicines?
  Yes, it is often combined with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics for better blood pressure control.

• What foods should I avoid while taking Felodipine?
  Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it increases Felodipine levels and risk of side effects.

• Can Felodipine be used in older adults?
  Yes, but lower doses are often started, as older adults are more sensitive to blood pressure drops.

• Is Felodipine safe during pregnancy?
  It should be used only if clearly needed — safety in pregnancy has not been well established.

• Can I take it while breastfeeding?
  Small amounts may pass into breast milk; consult your doctor before use.

• Does Felodipine interact with other medications?
  Yes — it may interact with:

  • Beta-blockers (additive blood pressure effects)

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice)

  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine)

• What should I do if I miss a dose?
  Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose — don’t double up.

• Can I stop taking Felodipine suddenly?
  No — stopping abruptly can cause rebound hypertension or chest pain. Taper under medical guidance.

• How long does it take for Felodipine to work?
  Blood pressure typically improves within 2–4 weeks of consistent use.

• Is there a generic version available?
  Yes — Felodipine extended-release tablets are available as generics.

• Where can I get Felodipine?
  Available by prescription only at pharmacies.