Felodipine is used on its own or together with other medicines to keep your blood pressure under control. This medicine relaxes your blood vessels, and this helps to lower your blood pressure.
It may also be used to treat chest pain.
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.
Take this medicine without food or with a light meal. Try to take it at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole, do not divide, chew or crush it.
Felodipine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better/well. 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:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, heart attack, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- unexpected chest pain while at rest (unstable angina)
as Felodipine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Felodipine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Felodipine, alert your doctor immediately. Felodipine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- gum disease
- hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (abnormally thick heart muscle)
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Felodipine to an elderly person.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
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. Routine monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) 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 kick your smoking habit.
Felodipine may cause dizziness, nausea, tiredness and headache. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: redness of the skin, enlarged gums, fast and irregular heartbeat, fainting, lightheadedness, and swelling of the ankles, feet or hand.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- rapid heartbeat
- symptoms of myocardial ischaemia such as extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain
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:
- antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- medicine to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, efavirenz
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- cimetidine (medicine for reducing stomach acid)
- tacrolimus (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
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 and St. John’s wort.
Avoid excessive consumption (more than 1 litre a day) of grapefruit juice.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to 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.
Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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