Felodipine: Uses, indications and cautions when using

This is an automatically translated article.

Felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure. This helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Felodipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. By blocking calcium, this medication dilates and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

1. How to use Felodipine ER

Take Felodipine by mouth, as often as once a day on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. If you have an upset stomach, you can take felodipine with a light meal. The dose of Felodipine is determined based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
The risk of side effects may be increased when you crush or chew the tablets because doing so can release all of the medicine at once. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have an index line and your doctor tells you to do so. Swallow the medicine whole without crushing or chewing.
Use this medicine regularly to get the maximum benefit from Felodipine. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day as directed. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel your condition has improved.
This medicine is not effective if you only use it when you have chest pain. It is very important to take this medicine as often as prescribed to help prevent chest pain.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, you should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medicine. Grapefruit juice may increase the concentration of this drug in your blood.
Do not stop taking Felodipine without consulting your doctor. Taking the medicine suddenly can make the condition worse. The dose you take may need to be gradually reduced under the supervision of your doctor.

2. Side effects

Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset may occur as your body adapts to the medicine. If any of these symptoms persist or become more severe, notify your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: Swelling of hands/ankles/feet (edema) or other symptoms such as fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting.
Although there are no official reports, in some cases felodipine can cause mild swelling of the gums. Massage your gums and brush your teeth regularly to minimize this problem. In addition, you need to see your dentist regularly for checkups.
Although felodipine is effective in preventing chest pain (angina), some people who already have severe heart disease may rarely experience worsening chest pain or heart attack after starting the medication. this or increase the dose. Call 911 immediately if you experience symptoms such as: worsening chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating) .
Rarely, serious allergic reactions have occurred when taking Felodipine. However, call 911 right away if you notice any of these serious symptoms, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing .
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms after taking this medicine.

3. Precautionary measures

Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Felodipine y may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the hands and feet (oedema).
Tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine before surgery.
Felodipine can make you dizzy. While taking Felodipine, do not use marijuana or alcohol or alcoholic beverages.
Get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position to minimize dizziness or lightheadedness.
Caution should be exercised when using this medicine in the elderly as they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness.
Pregnant women should only use the drug in cases of absolute necessity. Breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

4. Interaction

Consult your doctor before you change, start, or stop taking any medication.
Before using Felodipine, it is important that you tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: Other medicines for blood pressure high, intravenous (IV) calcium.
Tell your doctor if you take medicines that affect the removal of felodipine from your body (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers) including: azole antifungals (eg, Itraconazole, ketoconazole) , certain antiepileptic drugs (eg, Phenobarbital, phenytoin), cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (eg, Erythromycin).
Some medicines have ingredients that can increase your blood pressure. If you are taking certain medications (especially cough and cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen), tell your doctor.
For your safety and to avoid the risk of side effects, tell your doctor a list of all the products you are taking before using Felodipine.
Fainting and shortness of breath may occur with an overdose of Felodipine, call 911 immediately. Symptoms of an overdose of Felodipine may include: Severe dizziness, slow heart rate, severe weakness.

Do not share Felodipine with other people.
Lifestyle changes such as implementing a stress reduction program, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medication. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that may benefit you.
When using Felodipine, check your blood pressure regularly. It's best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor and inform them of your blood pressure readings.
Store Felodipine at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius, protected from light and moisture. Do not store medicine in the bathroom.
Do not keep medicine out of reach of children.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com