Felodipine
Felodipine (Plendil)
Felodipine
(feh- LOHD-ih-peen)
Pregnancy Category: C Plendil Renedil (Rx)

Classification: Calcium channel blocking agent

See Also: See also Calcium Channel Blocking Agents .

Action/Kinetics: Onset after PO: 120-300 min. Peak plasma levels: 2.5-5 hr. Over 99% bound to plasma protein. t 1/2, elimination: 11-16 hr. Metabolized in the liver.

Uses: Treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensives.

Contraindications: Lactation.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in clients with CHF or compromised ventricular function, especially in combination with a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Use with caution in impaired hepatic function or reduced hepatic blood flow. May cause a greater hypotensive effect in geriatric clients. Safety and effectiveness have not been determined in children.

Side Effects: CV: Significant hypotension, syncope, angina pectoris, peripheral edema, palpitations, AV block, MI, arrhythmias tachycardia. CNS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nervousness, sleepiness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, paresthesia, depression, amnesia, paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations. Body as a whole: Asthenia, flushing, muscle cramps, pain, inflammation, warm feeling, influenza. GI: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, cramps, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, flatulence. Dermatologic: Rash, dermatitis, urticaria, pruritus. Respiratory: Rhinitis, rhinorrhea, pharyngitis, sinusitis, nasal and chest congestion, SOB, wheezing, dyspnea, cough, bronchitis, sneezing, respiratory infection. Miscellaneous: Anemia, gingival hyperplasia, sexual difficulties, epistaxis, back pain, facial edema, erythema, urinary frequency or urgency, dysuria.

Additional Drug Interactions: Cimetidine / Bioavailability of felodipine Digoxin / Peak plasma levels of digoxin Fentanyl / Possible severe hypotension or fluid volume Grapefruit juice / Plasma levels of felodipine R/T liver breakdown Ranitidine / Bioavailability of felodipine

How Supplied: Tablet, Extended Release: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg

Dosage
?Tablets, Extended Release Hypertension.
Initial: 5 mg once daily (2.5 mg in clients over 65 years of age and in those with impaired liver function); then: adjust dose according to response, usually at 2-week intervals with the usual dosage range being 2.5-10 mg once daily. Doses greater than 10 mg increase the rate of peripheral edema and other vasodilatory side effects.