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felodipine
Agon SR‡, Plendil, Plendil ER‡, Renedil†

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

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