Plendil, Felodipine

Plendil, also known as Felodipine, is a vasodilator commonly prescribed for treating high blood pressure and preventing angina. It falls under the category of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing and widening blood vessels to enhance circulation.

• Therapeutic Category: Calcium channel blocker
• Main Applications: Managing blood pressure (hypertension) and preventing angina (chest pain)

The main ingredient in Felodipine directly affects the muscles in blood vessels, causing them to relax and leading to widened blood vessels and reduced resistance in the outer parts of the circulatory system.

The components that are not actively involved differ depending on the formulation. They typically consist of ingredients that assist in delivering the drug and maintaining its stability, such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, and polyethylene glycol.

Extended release tablets are created to release the medication gradually over a duration making it easier for patients to follow the treatment regimen and ensuring consistent levels of medication, in the bloodstream.

Felodipine is commonly used as a first-line treatment for blood pressure to lower the chances of stroke and heart problems. Doctors also recommend it as a measure for angina to alleviate chest discomfort related to heart issues.

Felodipine works by lowering the pressure in the blood vessels, which eases the strain on the heart and ultimately reduces blood pressure.

• Arterial pressure reduction leads to the decreased occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Sometimes, Felodipine is prescribed for conditions like the Raynaud phenomenon and congestive heart failure, even though it's not officially approved for those uses. Its ability to widen blood vessels can be helpful, in these situations.

While not yet given the light, for all secondary purposes, recent research indicates promising advantages that deserve deeper exploration.

Medical recommendations are careful. They recognize the possibility of using Felodipine when other treatments have not produced the desired results.

The usual initial dosage for blood pressure is 5 mg, per day and it can be changed depending on how well the treatment works and how well the patient tolerates it.

Patients with liver issues may require changes in their medication dosage to avoid the risk of much drug buildup and potential harm.

• Take this medication on a stomach or with a small meal to improve its absorption.
• It's best to steer off grapefruit juice as it may disrupt how Felodipine is metabolized.

Consider beginning with a dose to accommodate reduced liver function and heightened sensitivity to changes in blood pressure.

It's advisable to check your blood pressure and heart rate to make sure everything is safe and working well.

The safety of Felodipine in women has not been confirmed. It is advisable to use it during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus.

It's uncertain if Felodipine passes into breast milk, so it's advised to be careful when giving it to nursing mothers.

The safety and efficacy of children have not been proven.

When taking Felodipine along with CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, there is a possibility of Felodipine levels in the blood. It is important for patients to be closely watched and adjustments, to the dosage may be needed.

It's important to let patients know that they should steer clear of grapefruit juice because it can have an impact, on how Felodipine is processed in the body. This could result in levels of the drug and stronger effects.

• Ensure your routines and eating habits remain steady to keep the effects of medications stable.
• Always talk to your healthcare professionals about any medications to avoid any potential interactions.

Other medications, such as amlodipine, nifedipine, lacidipine, and lercanidipine, work to reduce blood pressure similarly to felodipine. Additionally, there are alternative medications available to help lower your blood pressure.

Felodipine, similar to drugs used to treat high blood pressure, often causes mild and temporary side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and a warm or flushed feeling as it widens blood vessels.

• 20% of patients may experience headaches.
• 10-15% of individuals who use the medication might feel flush sensations and dizziness.

Management involves reassurance, symptomatic treatment, and adjusting the dosage if necessary. For persistent symptoms, a consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to tailor the therapeutic approach.

In instances, Felodipine may lead to severe responses like low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and occasional worsening of angina in individuals with advanced coronary artery disease.

Rarely do such serious consequences occur. They necessitate prompt medical assessment.

If individuals encounter signs such as chest discomfort, passing out, or an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, it's crucial for them to promptly seek medical attention.

Patients who have heart failure or aortic stenosis should be cautious when using Felodipine for cardiovascular issues and it is important for them to receive careful medical monitoring.

Diabetic individuals need to keep an eye on their blood sugar levels because Felodipine might sometimes impact glucose tolerance.

Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they understand the effects of Felodipine as it may lead to dizziness.

Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may exacerbate the effects of felodipine. However, you can maintain your diet while on felodipine treatment.

Make sure to keep Felodipine in a dry place, at room temperature to maintain its effectiveness.

It's important not to crush or chew tablets and make sure your hands are dry when handling the medication to avoid it from losing its effectiveness.

Signs of taking too much medication may result in serious low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and risk of heart-stopping.

It is essential to seek help promptly. Actions to take involve using stomach pumping, giving activated charcoal, and, in situations, providing intravenous fluids or vasopressors.

Ensuring the patient's cardiovascular condition remains stable may necessitate long-term hospital care and ongoing monitoring.

Patients who are allergic to Felodipine, have severe low blood pressure or heart block should avoid using this medication.

Patients who have liver issues should be careful when taking Felodipine since it is broken down significantly by the liver.

Licensed healthcare professionals are required to prescribe and provide Felodipine in accordance with the regulations set by the FDA and other health regulatory bodies.

It is recommended to check blood pressure and heart function to evaluate how well the medication is working and to catch any possible negative reactions early on.

Healthcare professionals have a role, in modifying medication doses educating patients and ensuring that they follow their treatment plan.

Education initiatives should prioritize emphasizing the significance of following recommended dosages, comprehending adverse reactions, and identifying symptoms that warrant prompt medical attention.