Felodipine helps to keep your blood pressure under control. It relaxes your blood vessels which help to lower your blood pressure.
This medicine may also be used to treat stable angina pectoris (chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood supply).
Take Felodipine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. It is best to take it in the morning.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Felodipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- decompensated heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- heart attack
- unstable angina pectoris (chest pain that occurs randomly or unexpectedly)
- blockage or narrowing of the heart valves
as Felodipine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Felodipine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Felodipine.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Felodipine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of peripheral oedema (swelling of the ankles, feet or hand) may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Felodipine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may cause swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. To reduce swelling in the ankles or feet, elevate your legs by putting a pillow under your feet when lying down.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, stomach pain, headache, itching, rash, and numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- mild gum swelling
- abnormal heartbeat
- severe dizziness or fainting
- new or worsening chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- tacrolimus (medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Felodipine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Avoid taking Felodipine together with high-fat foods. Fatty foods may increase the absorption of this medicine and result in an increased risk of its side effects.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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