Information about Felodipine (Generic Plendil) :


Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, alone or in combination with other drugs. It blocks the normal action of calcium on blood vessels and the heart and allows the blood vessels to relax, the heart to beat with less force and pump out less blood, and the heart to beat more slowly and regularly.
It may also be administered for other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Felodipine in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in it; or you have a history of low blood pressure. In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Felodipine:
Before using Felodipine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have heart problems, breathing problems, or a slow heartbeat.

Be aware that Felodipine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the effectiveness of Felodipine may be decreased; azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), cimetidine, or erythromycin because the actions and side effects of Felodipine may be increased; macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Felodipine:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Felodipine should be regularly taken either without food or with a light meal.

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Felodipine. Swallow pills whole without crushing or chewing.

In case you miss a dose of Felodipine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Felodipine usage may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Felodipine. Dizziness may be increased by alcoholic beverages, hot weather, exercise, and fever. It is recommended to sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning to prevent dizziness or fainting. You should sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

You may feel tired or run down for a few weeks after the treatment is started if you take medicine for high blood pressure. Continue taking your medicine even if no symptoms bother you. Consult with your doctor if you suffer any symptom.

It is recommended to brush and floss your teeth carefully while you are using this medicine. Also, it is important to have regular dental checkups.
You should use Felodipine with extreme caution in CHILDREN, as safety and effectiveness have not been proved.

PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you plan pregnancy, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Felodipine while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Felodipine passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking Felodipine.

Possible side effects of Felodipine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; headache; mild swelling of gums; nausea; weakness.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breathing problems; chest pain; enlarged breasts in men; fast or irregular heartbeat; heart problems; impotence; lightheadedness and fainting; swelling of the ankles or hands.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.