Pregnancy Risk Category C
How supplied
Tablets (extended-release): 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Action
Unknown. A dihydropyridine-derivative calcium channel blocker that prevents entry of calcium ions into vascular smooth-muscle and cardiac cells; shows some selectivity for smooth muscle as compared with cardiac muscle.
Indications & dosage
Hypertension--
Adults: initially, 5 mg P.O. daily. Dosage is adjusted based on patient response, generally at intervals not less than 2 weeks. Usual dose is 2.5 to 10 mg daily; maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily.
Elderly: 2.5 mg P.O. daily; dosage is adjusted as for adults. Maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily.
Adjust-a-dose: For patients with impaired hepatic function, 2.5 mg P.O. daily; dosage adjusted as for adults. Maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily.
Adverse reactions
CNS: headache, dizziness, paresthesia, asthenia.
CV: peripheral edema, chest pain, palpitations, flushing.
EENT: rhinorrhea, pharyngitis.
GI: abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea.
Musculoskeletal: muscle cramps, back pain.
Respiratory: upper respiratory tract infection, cough.
Skin: rash.
Interactions
Drug-drug. Anticonvulsants: decreased plasma level of felodipine. Avoid concomitant use.
Cimetidine: decreased clearance of felodipine. Use lower doses of felodipine.
Metoprolol: may alter pharmacokinetics of metoprolol. No dosage adjustment appears needed; monitor for adverse effects.
Theophylline: may slightly decrease theophylline levels. Monitor patient's response closely.
Drug-food. Grapefruit juice: increased bioavailability and effect when taken together. Monitor closely.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING