Felodipine
About
Felodipine is an anti-hypertensive medicine primarily used in the treatment of Hypertension. It also helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and angina (chest pain). Hypertension is a lifelong condition in which there is a persistent rise in blood pressure. The rise in blood pressure occurs when the force exerted by the blood against the blood vessel (artery wall) increases. The higher this blood pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. As a result, it leads to heart disease, irregular heartbeat, and other complications.
Felodipine contains Felodipine, which belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient for pumping blood throughout the body.
Felodipine may cause common side effects such as headaches, exhaustion, nausea, dizziness, and swollen ankles that usually resolve after some time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, please consult your doctor. Felodipine should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the medicine. Always remember not to take more than the prescribed dose of medicine.
Felodipine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or other same class medicines. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about your complete medical history and current medication history, including herbs and supplements. This can help reduce many adverse effects. It should be used with caution if you are diagnosed with angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes and peripheral oedema (swelling of hands/legs). Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is important while taking this medicine. Avoid consumption of alcohol, as it may make you feel drowsy or sleepy. It is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age. It is unknown whether Felodipine can be given to pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Doing regular 15-minute exercise and certain lifestyle changes such as low salt intake, avoiding smoking, caffeine intake, etc., can give better results.
Uses of Felodipine
Medicinal Benefits
Felodipine contains Felodipine, which belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient for pumping blood throughout the body. Thus, Felodipine can effectively reduce the blood pressure and the complications associated with this condition, such as heart attack.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Felodipine
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Increased frequency of urination
- Lack of energy
- Peripheral oedema (swelling of legs/hands)
- Flushing
- Rash
- Constipation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Felodipine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or other same class medicines. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor about your complete medical history and current medication history, including herbs and supplements. This can help reduce many adverse effects. Felodipine should be used with caution if you are diagnosed with angina (chest pain), congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes and peripheral oedema (swelling of hands/legs). Frequent monitoring of blood pressure is important while taking Felodipine. Avoid consumption of alcohol, as it may make you feel drowsy or sleepy. It is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age. It is unknown whether Felodipine can be given to pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Doing regular 15-minute exercise and certain lifestyle changes such as low salt intake, avoiding cold beverages, smoking, etc., can give better results.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Felodipine may interact with other blood pressure-lowering medications, anticancer drugs (aldesleukin), a medication used to treat arrhythmias (quinidine), antiepileptic medicine (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital), antifungal medicine (ketoconazole, itraconazole), an antibiotic (erythromycin), a medication used to treat diabetes (insulin), other oral diabetes medicines, anti-psychotic drug (lithium),
Drug-food interactions: You are recommended to avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-disease interactions: Felodipine is not recommended for use in patients with nil urine output (anuria). It should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionFelodipine is known to interact with alcohol. Hence, avoid alcohol consumption as it may worsen the condition by increasing the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Felodipine is safe for use in pregnant women. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Felodipine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Felodipine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeFelodipine may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Hence, avoid driving after taking Felodipine or until you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Felodipine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Felodipine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeFelodipine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy of this medicine are not established for this age group.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to maintain your weight under control with BMI 19.5-24.9.
- Doing regular physical activity or exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week can help you lower your raised blood pressure.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products.
- Reduce the intake of table salt in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day for better results.
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
Special Advise
- Sudden withdrawal of Felodipine may worsen your health condition. However, if you experience chest pain, consult your doctor immediately.
- Keep track of your blood pressure by regularly checking it.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: Also called high blood pressure, is a serious condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls becomes high. This hardens the heart to pump blood. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked), stroke (brain damage) and kidney failure. Felodipine is used in treating hypertension and thus helps reduce further risk. The blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor called a sphygmomanometer.
FAQs
Felodipine contains Felodipine, which works by relaxing the blood vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes the heart more efficient for pumping blood throughout the body.
Felodipine may cause impotence (erectile dysfunction) as the blood flow to the penis decreases. If you experience erectile dysfunction during the use of Felodipine, inform your doctor immediately.
You are recommended to take this medicine for the duration your doctor prescribes. High blood pressure is a life-long condition, and you should not abruptly discontinue the medicine without discussing it with your doctor.
Felodipine may affect your blood sugar levels. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor before taking Felodipine to know the possible risks of this medicine.
