What is Felodipine?
Felodipine is prescribed as a single drug or in conjunction with other medications in order to manage hypertension in adults. Lowering your blood pressure can reduce your chance of having a stroke or heart attack. Felodipine can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Felodipine
See a doctor immediately. If you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Felodipine could cause serious adverse side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Aggravation of chest pain; high heart rate;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you're about to pass out or
- Heart issues: swelling and weight gain, rapid heart rate, and feeling tired.
Common side effects of felodipine include:
- Swelling in your hands, arms, or legs;
- Headache;
- Dizziness; weakness; or
- Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingling feeling).
This list does not constitute an exhaustive listing of potential side effects; other symptoms could emerge. Please seek medical advice about any adverse reactions by speaking to your physician and reporting symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related drugs
amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, aspirin, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
Warnings
Take only according to the directions. Talk to your doctor if you take other medications or suffer from any other medical condition or allergies.
Prior to use this drug
Do not take felodipine if you are allergic to it.
Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Lower blood pressure;
- Congestive heart failure; or
- Liver disease.
How to take Felodipine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. The doctor might change the dosage. Make sure you take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
Felodipine is generally taken only once each day. You can take felodipine either in combination with or without food; however, it must be taken exactly the same way every time. Take the tablet in its entirety and don't smash, break, or break it. Your blood pressure needs to be checked regularly. Continue taking felodipine even if you feel good. A high blood pressure can have no signs.
Don't alter the dose or stop using any medication without a doctor's approval. The treatment you receive could also include exercise, diet for weight loss, weight control, and blood tests.
Be attentive to oral hygiene. Make sure to floss and brush your teeth on a regular basis while you are taking this medicine. Keep tightly sealed to keep at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dosage: 5 mg taken orally, once a day.
Dosage for maintenance: 2.5 to 10 mg every day, orally.
If necessary, dosage adjustments should usually be made at intervals of no less than 2 weeks.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dosage: 2.5 to 5 mg daily, orally
Dosage for maintenance: 2.5 to 10 mg every day, orally.
Comments: If required, dose adjustments should typically occur every two weeks.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:
(Not cleared by the FDA)
NIH and NHLBI suggestions:
1 year old or older:
Initial dosage: 2.5 mg orally once every day.
Dosage for maintenance: 2.5 to 10 mg daily, orally
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid your missed dosage if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222. The signs of an overdose could include a low heart rate, low blood pressure, tingling or warmth, and a tingling sensation that makes you feel like you're passing out.
What should be avoided?
Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. You could be dizzy.
Grapefruit could be a trigger for felodipine interactions and may cause negative side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drugs
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medicines simultaneously. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications that you are taking, which can create side effects or render the medication less effective.
Other medications can affect felodipine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor all the other medications you take.
