Felodipine | Health Navigator NZ

Felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects. Felodipine is also called Plendil ER or Felo ER.

Type of medicine	Also called
Antihypertensive (to lower blood pressure) Used to prevent chest pain (angina) Belongs to a group of medicines called calcium-channel blockers	Plendil ER® Felo ER®

What is felodipine?

Felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you get chest pain. Felodipine works by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, and in this way lowers your blood pressure. Felodipine belongs to a group of medicines called calcium-channel blockers. In New Zealand felodipine is available in different strengths of tablets (2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg).

Dose

The usual dose of felodipine is 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily.
Depending on your response, your doctor may increase your dose to 10 mg once daily.
Always take your felodipine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much felodipine to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

How to take felodipine

Timing: Take felodipine once a day, at the same time each day. It is best taken in the morning. Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. This will release all the medication at once and increase the risk of getting side effects. You can take felodipine with or without food.
Limit alcohol while you are taking felodipine. It may increase your chance of side effects such as feeling dizzy.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.

What to consider before taking felodipine

Do you have problems with your liver?
Do you have heart problems such as heart failure or have you had a heart attack recently?
Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding?
Are you taking any other medicines? This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start felodipine. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

What are the side effects of felodipine?

Like all medicines felodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Headache Feeling flushed (red in the face) Tiredness	These are quite common when you first start taking felodipine and usually go away after a few days. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Dizziness Feeling lightheaded Feeling faint when you stand up	Be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting to avoid falls. These effects put you at risk of falls and injuries, especially if you are older. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol. Tell your doctor if these bother you.
Swelling of the hand, ankles, feet or legs Muscle pain or cramps	Tell your doctor if they bother you.
Worsening chest pain Changes in your heartbeat (fast or irregular heartbeat)	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or have problems breathing	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product.

Interactions

Felodipine may interact with some other medications and herbal supplements so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting felodipine or before starting any new medicines, including those you may buy over the counter.