Did your doctor prescribe you a medicine for high blood pressure, or 'pressure' as we all know it? If the name of that medicine is Felodipine, then this article will be very important for you. Sometimes you can get this medicine under the brand name Plendil. Today, we will talk about this medicine, how it works, and things to be careful about while taking it, in a very simple and friendly way.
What is Felodipine? How does it work?
Simply put, felodipine is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure . Think of your blood vessels as pipes that carry water. High blood pressure means that the pressure inside these pipes is too high. If this continues, it can damage many organs, including the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
Felodipine works by relaxing the walls of your blood vessels. It's like loosening a tight water pipe. This allows blood to flow through your body without any obstructions and at a lower pressure. This reduces the effort your heart has to pump blood . Medically speaking, this medicine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are prescribed felodipine or while you are using it, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
- Heart disease: If you have other heart conditions (e.g., if you have had a heart attack).
- Heart failure: A condition in which the heart is weak and the body fills with fluid.
- Irregular heartbeat: If the heartbeat changes in an abnormal way.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Low blood pressure: If your blood pressure is lower than normal.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to felodipine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or whether the dosage needs to be changed.
How should I use the medicine?
This is the most important part. To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Swallow the tablet whole: This is an 'Extended-Release' type of tablet. This means that the medicine is absorbed gradually throughout the day. Therefore , never break, crush, or chew the tablet . Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Take it on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- Before or after food?: You can take this medicine before or after food. But the most important thing is that you take it the same way every day. For example, if you take it after breakfast, take it the same way every day.
- Don't stop until your doctor tells you to: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking your medication without asking your doctor. Your blood pressure may be under control because of the medication.
Special Warning: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication. Grapefruit juice can change the way this medication works in the body and cause dangerous side effects.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications you take can sometimes interact with felodipine and cause problems. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, herbal teas, and herbal supplements).
| What can cause problems? | Examples |
|---|---|
| Absolutely prohibited | Antifungals such as Itraconazole |
| Other medications to be careful with |
|
| Food and drink | Grapefruit juice |
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, felodipine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain. |
| Excessive decrease in blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Increased chest pain (Angina) | Increasing pain or stiffness in the chest, neck, back, or arms. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Various features | - Redness of the face - Headache - Nausea - Stomach pain - Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet (this is common) |
Other things to consider
- Dizziness: Some people may feel dizzy or drowsy while taking this medicine. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. When getting up from a chair or bed, do not get up suddenly, but slowly.
- Teeth and Gums: This medicine may cause swollen or bleeding gums. So brush your teeth thoroughly every morning and night. If your gums become red, swollen, or bleed, see your dentist.
- Other medications: If you are taking any other medications for coughs or colds while taking this medicine, ask your doctor. Some medications can increase blood pressure.
Take-Home Message
- Swallow the felodipine tablet whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing it.
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including herbal remedies and vitamins).
- Be aware of things like ankle swelling, dizziness, and swollen gums. Seek medical advice immediately if serious symptoms occur.
- Even if you feel better, avoid stopping the medication without your doctor's advice.
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