Plendil

1 What is Plendil?

Brand: Plendil

Generic: Felodipine

Plendil is a calcium channel blocker used alone or together with other drugs to treat hypertension. High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries which can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart attacks or failure, or kidney failure.

Controlling blood pressure may make these problems unlikely to occur. This drug works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels resulting in relaxation of blood vessels and increased the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. This drug requires a prescription.

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2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Plendil, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Felodipine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

  • Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of Felodipine have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
  • Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of felodipine.
  • Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women and animals are still inadequate.
  • Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Colchicine
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Afatinib
  • Amiodarone
  • Apixaban
  • Atazanavir
  • Carbamazepine
  • Ceritinib
  • Clarithromycin
  • Clopidogrel
  • Cyclosporine
  • Dabrafenib
  • Dantrolene
  • Dasabuvir
  • Doxorubicin
  • Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
  • Droperidol
  • Idelalisib
  • Lacosamide
  • Lumacaftor
  • Mibefradil
  • Morphine
  • Morphine Sulfate Liposome
  • Nilotinib
  • Paritaprevir
  • Piperaquine
  • Pixantrone
  • Romidepsin
  • St John's Wort
  • Topotecan
  • Vincristine
  • Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
  • Amprenavir
  • Dalfopristin
  • Fluconazole
  • Indinavir
  • Magnesium
  • Nelfinavir
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Phenobarbital
  • Quinupristin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as heart failure or liver problems.

3 Proper Usage

To use Plendil properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. You may be advised to undergo lifestyle modifications such as weight control and diet especially avoiding foods high in sodium.

Check with your healthcare professional before changing your diet. Patients with hypertension will not notice any signs in the early stages of the disease and it is recommended to continue taking this drug even if you do not feel any symptoms.

This drug will only control your hypertension. This drug is expected to be taken for lifetime use to prevent any serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease from happening.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, break, or chew it. You may take this drug without food or with a light meal. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

  • Adults with hypertension are initially given 5 milligrams once a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if needed.
  • Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Plendil, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness and unwanted effects of the drug. Hypotension may occur while taking this drug.

Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you experience:

  • blurred vision
  • confusion
  • severe dizziness
  • faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
  • sweating
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

This drug may cause Edema and inform your healthcare professional immediately if you have:

  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet,
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • or unusual weight gain or weight loss
  • Redness, swelling, or bleeding of the gums may occur while taking this drug

Consult with your health care professional or dentist for any advice about teeth or gum care, or if you notice any redness, swelling, or bleeding of your gums.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Plendil. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • rapid weight gain
  • tingling of hands or feet
  • unusual weight gains or loss
  • body aches or pain, chills, cough
  • difficulty in breathing
  • ear congestion
  • fever, headache
  • loss of voice
  • nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain
  • tightness, or heaviness
  • confusion
  • congestion
  • a cough producing mucus
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  • suddenly a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
  • the general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • hoarseness
  • joint pain
  • large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle aches and pains
  • nausea
  • pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back, or neck
  • pale skin
  • shivering
  • shortness of breath
  • sweating
  • swelling or puffiness of the face, tender or swollen glands in neck
  • trouble in swallowing
  • trouble sleeping
  • troubled breathing with exertion
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • voice changes
  • wheezing
  • symptoms of overdose such as a feeling of warmth redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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