How It Works
Felodipine ER tablets work by widening and relaxing the blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily, which lowers blood pressure and the workload placed on the heart.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Plendil (discontinued) |
| Drug Class | Calcium channel blocker (CCB) |
| Generic Status | Generic is available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Felodipine ER tablets are available in four strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The recommended starting dose is 5 mg taken by mouth daily, either without food or with a small meal or snack. The tablets should be swallowed whole.
After two weeks, the dosage may be increased as needed. Recommended doses range from 2.5 mg to 10 mg daily.
The starting dose may be adjusted for people older than 65 years or with liver problems.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
Felodipine ER tablets are FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Off-Label Uses
You may see felodipine ER tablets prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
Felodipine ER tablets may be prescribed off-label for chest pain (angina).
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Side Effects
Like all medications, felodipine ER tablets can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth or redness in the face)
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the ankles, hands, or feet
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
- Gum overgrowth or swelling (gingival hyperplasia)
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using felodipine ER tablets and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; severe rash or itching; fever.
- Severely decreased blood pressure (hypotension): Felodipine may cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, weakness, or tiredness.
- Heart attack: Symptoms include pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, jaw, neck, or back; shortness of breath; feeling faint or lightheaded; cold or clammy skin; and severe nausea.
- Worsening heart failure: Symptoms include sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing (especially when lying down), unusual weakness or fatigue, and swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Take Your Dose Consistently
It is recommended to take felodipine ER at the same time every day.
Swallow Tablets Whole
Never split, crush, or chew the tablets, as doing so damages the special coating of the extended-release tablet and alters the medication’s release in the body.
Take Either Without Food Or A Light Meal
Heavy meals should be avoided, as they can raise medication levels and increase the risk of side effects.
Avoid Grapefruit And Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit can increase the amount of felodipine in the body, which can cause more side effects.
Regularly Monitor Blood Pressure At Home
You can bring these logs to your medical appointments to help your healthcare provider assess how well felodipine ER is working for you.
Manage Dizziness
To minimize the risk of dizziness with felodipine, it is recommended to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
Manage Swelling
If you experience swelling in your ankles, legs, hands, or feet, try sitting or lying down with your legs raised. Wearing compression socks may also help.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush to help prevent gum swelling.
Consider Limiting Alcohol
It’s not known if alcohol interacts directly with felodipine, but it can increase the risk of dizziness and high blood pressure.
Store At Room Temperature
Felodipine ER tablets should be stored at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a cool, dry place away from light.
Tell Your Provider If You’re Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
It is not known if felodipine ER tablets can affect pregnancy or pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be, so they can advise whether this medication is safe for you to use.
Try to Avoid Missing A Dose
If you miss a dose of felodipine ER tablets, take them as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with felodipine ER tablets, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:
- Fungal infection medications: Drugs such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole can alter felodipine levels in the body.
- Erythromycin: This antibiotic may interact with felodipine.
- Cimetidine: This medication can interact with felodipine.
- Beta-blockers and other blood pressure medications: Medications such as metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol may increase the risk of severe hypotension with felodipine.
- Tacrolimus: This medication can interact with felodipine.
- Seizure medications: Drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin may interact with felodipine.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice can increase felodipine levels and lead to more side effects.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Will I have to take this medication indefinitely?
Blood pressure medications are long-term treatments. People should keep taking felodipine ER unless their care provider specifically instructs them to stop.
What is the best time of day to take my felodipine ER pill?
You can take felodipine ER tablets in the morning or evening. The important thing is to take it consistently to maintain a steady level of the medication in your system.
Do I need to take felodipine ER with a full meal?
No, providers typically recommend taking it either on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Avoid taking felodipine ER with a heavy meal, as this can lead to higher medication levels in the body and increase the risk of side effects.
Is it normal for my face to feel constantly flushed or red after I take my morning dose?
Yes, facial flushing (a warm sensation or redness) is a common side effect of felodipine ER tablets usually appearing within the first 2 weeks and diminishing with continued use. Let your provider know if it becomes bothersome.
Will taking felodipine ER cause my heart to race or flutter?
Felodipine ER can sometimes cause an increased heart rate (tachycardia) or a racing, fluttering heartbeat (palpitations). If you experience this side effect, it is important to contact a healthcare provider.
Can I safely take ibuprofen or over-the-counter cold medicine while on this?
Felodipine ER is not known to interact with ibuprofen or over-the-counter cold medicine. Still, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider to make sure it’s safe to take them together.
Is there an actual difference between the brand name Plendil and generic felodipine ER?
No, Plendil is simply the discontinued brand name for the generic drug felodipine. The lower-cost generic is the same medication.
Can I safely drink alcohol while taking this?
It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking felodipine ER. Alcohol can raise blood pressure, making the medication less effective. Alcohol can also worsen side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Will this blood pressure medicine lower my sex drive?
Some people have reported a lower sex drive (libido) while taking felodipine ER tablets, but it’s unknown how common it is. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience this side effect.
Is it safe to take felodipine ER if I am currently pregnant or trying to conceive?
Felodipine ER is usually not recommended during pregnancy, as it is unknown if or how it could harm an unborn baby. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so they can recommend safer options for managing your blood pressure.
Does felodipine interact with cholesterol medications?
Felodipine ER is not known to interact with cholesterol medications like statin medications. However, it does interact with several medications, so it’s best to check with a doctor first.
Comparable Medications
Felodipine ER tablets, Amlodipine (Norvasc), Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL / Adalat CC) , Verapamil (Calan), Losartan (Cozaar), or Hydrochlorothiazide / HCTZ (Microzide)?
There are several medications your doctor can prescribe instead of felodipine ER tablets. Here are a few possible alternatives below.
Amlodipine
From $24.99
A calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), and a type of heart disease called coronary artery disease.
Nifedipine ER Tablets
From $34.99
A calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina).
Verapamil ER Tablets
From $27.99
A calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), and certain heart rhythm problems.
Losartan
From $22.99
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Hydrochlorothiazide
From $22.99
A thiazide diuretic (“water pill”) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema).
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with board-certified licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.