Plendil (Felodipine ER)

What is Plendil?

Plendil belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.

What is Plendil used for?

Plendil is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. A controlled level of blood pressure further helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does Plendil work?

Plendil works by blocking calcium and relaxing blood vessels in the heart and body. It causes them to widen so as to allow the blood to flow more easily. These effects cause the heart work less hard and in turn, helps lower the blood pressure.

How to use Plendil

Plendil is usually taken once daily, on an empty stomach. If taking the medicine without food causes nausea, you may take it with a light meal. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole. Remember to take it at the same time each day.

Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer periods than recommended, else it can cause some serious health ailments. It is advisable to follow the instructions of the doctor while taking this medicine.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. You may also be required to get your blood tested for some other purposes. Do not ignore if your doctor asks you to do the same.

Plendil warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to felodipine.

Prior to taking Plendil, inform your doctor if you are suffering from congestive heart failure, or liver disease, as you may need some dose adjustment.

Patients taking this medicine should avert consumption of alcohol. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, while on the Plendil dosage. Also avoid standing up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall.

Pregnant and lactating women should not take Plendil unless prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance.

What do I do if I have missed a Plendil dose?

If you have missed your Plendil dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Plendil overdose?

If you have taken a Plendil overdose you should seek medical attention.

Plendil interactions

Before taking Plendil, tell your doctor about all the medicines that you are taking, especially if you have been using conivaptan, cimetidine, isoniazid imatinib, tacrolimus, antidepressants, antifungal medications (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, clotrimazole), seizure medications, beta blockers (e.g., sotalol, nadolol, metoprolol, carvedilol, atenolol, timolol, propranolol), antibiotics (like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin), HIV or AIDS medication (such as atazanavir, fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, ritonavir, amprenavir, delavirdine) or other heart/ blood pressure medicines.

Also intimate your doctor about the use of minerals, vitamins, herbal products and other over-the-counter medications as the interaction may increase the side effects of Plendil.

Do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Plendil side effects

Plendil side effects include hives, nausea, shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, fast heartbeats, numbness, tingly feeling, chest pain, increased sweating, pain in arms or shoulders, feeling that you might become unconscious; swelling of face, tongue, lips, throat, hands or feet, and other allergic reactions.

Sudden headache, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, nervousness, pain in joints, muscle cramps, stomach upset, mild rash, stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, restlessness, insomnia, sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, increased urination, redness or tingly feeling under the skin, are also side effects from Plendil.