Description
Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine group. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves the blood supply to the heart muscle, and it is used for high blood pressure and for stable angina. These are prolonged release tablets, so the medicine is released slowly through the day.
Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not divide, crush or chew it, as that releases the dose too quickly. It is usually taken in the morning, and the SmPC advises taking it without food or with a light meal that is not high in fat or carbohydrate. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which increase the amount absorbed.
Ankle swelling, flushing, headache and palpitations are recognised effects. Tell your prescriber if you have liver problems or heart failure. Felodipine is not used in pregnancy.
- Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker in prolonged release tablets
- Used for high blood pressure and for stable angina
- Available in 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg tablets, taken once daily in the morning
- Swallow whole; do not divide, crush or chew
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
- Ankle swelling, flushing and headache are recognised effects
