Plendil

Generic name: Felodipine

Felodipine extended-release tablets

What are felodipine extended-release tablets?

FELODIPINE (Plendil) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. Felodipine reduces high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure. Generic felodipine extended-release tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart problems, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
• liver disease
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to felodipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take felodipine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water, do not crush or chew. Take felodipine tablets regularly either on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Do not take Felodipine with grapefruit juice or grapefruit. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with felodipine?

Do not take Felodipine with any of the following:

• grapefruit juice

Felodipine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• bosentan
• cimetidine
• cyclosporine
• herbal or dietary supplements such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, red yeast rice
• imatinib, STI-571
• local anesthetics or general anesthetics
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for prostate problems
• medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, zonisamide)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, Zelapar.)
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil)
• some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
• water pills (diuretics)
• yohimbine
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking felodipine?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly; this is important while you are taking felodipine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how felodipine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats.

Felodipine can cause dental problems for some patients. Clean and floss your teeth carefully and regularly. Check with your dentist if your gums get swollen or inflamed and have the dentist clean your teeth regularly.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking felodipine.

Do not suddenly stop taking felodipine. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.

What side effects may I notice from taking felodipine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest infection
• fainting spells, lightheadedness
• fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the legs and ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dairrhea or constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• facial flushing
• headache
• nausea
• tingling, burning or numbness in the fingers and toes
• weakness or tiredness
• sexual dysfunction