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Felodipine - Learn about Felodipine Side Effects and Precautions

Felodipine Information

The pharmacology action of Felodipine is that it inhibits movement of calcium ions across cell membrane in systemic and coronary vascular smooth muscle, altering contractile process.

Felodipine is used in treatment of hypertension.

Interaction and Contraindication of Felodipine

Interaction of Felodipine - Anticonvulsants (eg, barbiturates, carbamazepine, hydantoins):  Felodipine plasma concentrations may be reduced in epileptic patients, decreasing the therapeutic effects. Alternative therapy should be considered.
Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol):  Metoprolol plasma levels may be increased.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, cimetidine, erythromycin, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, ketoconazole):  Because of an increase in felodipine bioavailability or decrease in metabolism, felodipine plasma levels may be elevated several-fold, increasing the pharmacologic and adverse effects.

Contraindication of Felodipine - Standard considerations.

Side Effects of Felodipine

Here are the list of some common side effects of Felodipine :

• Palpitation (at least 1.5%).
• Asthenia, dizziness, headache, paresthesia (at least 1.5%).
• Flushing, rash (at least 1.5%).
• Rhinorrhea, sneezing (at least 1.5%).
• Constipation, dyspepsia, nausea (at least 1.5%).

Precaution and Warning while taking Felodipine

The precaution and warnings of Felodipine drug is as follows:

• Advise patient that dose of medication may be adjusted to obtain max benefit.
• Advise patient to take once daily regularly with food or on an empty stomach. Caution patient to swallow tablets whole and not to crush, chew, cut, or break.
• Inform patient that drug controls, but does not cure, hypertension or angina and to continue taking as prescribed even when BP is not elevated or angina symptoms are not present.
• Caution patient not to change or stop taking the dose unless advised by health care provider.
• Instruct patient to continue taking other BP medications as prescribed by health care provider.
• Instruct patient who also has angina to notify health care provider if frequency or severity of chest pain, or need for sublingual nitroglycerin appears to be increasing.
• Instruct patient in BP and pulse measurement skills.
• Advise hypertensive patient to monitor and record BP and pulse at home and to inform health care provider if abnormal measurements are noted. Also advise patient to take record of BP and pulse to each follow-up visit.
• Instruct patient to lie or sit down if experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness while standing.
• Advise patient to notify health care provider if any of the following occur: frequent episodes of dizziness when arising, swelling of lower legs or ankles, persistent fatigue, any other unusual or unexplained symptoms or signs.
• Advise patient that medication can cause gum swelling but that good dental hygiene reduces the risk and severity.

How to store Felodipine

• Do not crush or allow patient to chew tablet.
• Give with food if patient experiences GI upset.