Plendil (Felodipine)

Description

Plendil is a brand trade name for felodipine, a calcium channel blocker (calcium antagonist) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Plendil is available by physician prescription.

 

Drug Information

 

Felodipine, the active ingredient in Plendil, belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers (sometimes called calcium antagonists). These agents prevent calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cell walls, which results in the relaxation of smooth muscles and dilatation of arteries allowing blood to flow more freely, relieving elevated pressure. Lowering high blood pressure significantly reduces the risk for heart attacks, strokes and kidney complications.

 

Felodipine is a crystalline powder that appears slightly yellow in color. Chemically it’s a dihydropyridine derivative written as 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate.

 

 Plendil is essentially extended release tablets for felodipine. Plendil is available in 5.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg doses.

 

 Plendil is also sometimes used to treat chest pain caused by angina.

 

Inactive ingredients in Plendil include lactose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide and polyethylene glycol among others.

 

Dosage

 

Plendil dosage will vary as per physician recommendation, age, severity of the condition and response to the treatment. The dosage prescribed by a physician should be followed exactly.

 

 Plendil tablets should be administered orally on an empty stomach. Usually, a single dose is prescribed to be taken once a day. It is recommended that Plendil tablets are taken at the same time each day.

 

 Plendil tablets must be swallowed whole without chewing, crushing, breaking or pounding into powder. Plendil tablets are intended for extended release of the drug. Doing any of the above can cause the body to absorb the full dose at once, increasing the risk for side effects.

 

 Plendil dosages should be taken regularly even if the patient “feels fine.” Hypertension patients do not experience symptoms. The prescribed dosage is essential for the drug to be effective.

 

Angina patients should follow dosage recommendations regularly, instead of taking a tablet only when chest pain occurs. Plendil is not an instant pain reliever, and should be administered as per doctor’s orders for the drug to be effective.

 

Warnings and Precautions

 

 Do not take Plendil if allergic to felodipine or any other ingredient in the drug. Patients with a history of allergic reactions should consult a physician about safety before taking Plendil.

 

 Plendil may not be safe for patients with a history of heart disease, liver disease and swelling in arms and legs caused by edema.

 

 Consult a physician before taking Plendil if pregnant, breastfeeding or attempting to get pregnant.

 

 Plendil may not be safe for pediatric patients.

 

 Do not drive or operate machinery if Plendil causes dizziness.

 

Side Effects

 

Plendil and felodipine could potentially cause one or more of the following side effects:

 

 Dizziness
 Lightheadedness
 Headache
 Flushing
 Upset stomach
 Heart fluttering or pounding heartbeat
 Mild swelling of the gums (rarely)
 Insomnia
 Nausea
 Muscle cramps
 Joint pain
 Mild skin rashes
 Sore throats or flu-like symptoms
 Excessive urination

 

Side effects are not limited to the above.

 

Immediately consult a physician if side effects continue to persist or worsen over time.