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Felodipine |
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What is Felodipine and why is it prescribed? Felodipine is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure. A type of medication called a calcium channel blocker, Felodipine eases the workload of the heart by slowing down its muscle contractions and the passage of nerve impulses through it. This improves blood flow through the heart and throughout the body, reduces blood pressure, and helps prevent angina pain. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Felodipine regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Felodipine. Felodipine does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Felodipine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Felodipine. Felodipine can be taken with a light meal or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. Try not to miss any doses. If Felodipine is not taken regularly, your blood pressure may increase. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Store Felodipine at room temperature. Protect it from light. Are there any Felodipine side effects? Felodipine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Felodipine side effects may include flushing, headache, and swelling of the legs and feet. Less common or rare Felodipine side effects may include anemia, angina pectoris, ankle pain, anxiety disorders, arm pain, arthritis, back pain, blurred vision, breast enlargement, bronchitis, bruising, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, decreased sex drive, depression, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, enlarged gums, excessive nighttime urination, excessive perspiration, facial swelling, fainting, fatigue, flu, foot pain, frequent urination, gas, muscle pain, heart attack, hip pain, hives, impotence, inflammation of the nose, irregular heartbeat, irritability, itching, joint pain, knee pain, leg pain, low blood pressure, nausea, neck pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, painful or difficult urination, rapid heartbeat, rash, respiratory infections, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, sinus inflammation, sleepiness, sneezing, sore throat, stomach and intestinal pain, tingling sensation, tremor, urgent urination, vomiting, warm sensation, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Felodipine? If Felodipine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Felodipine with Beta-blocking blood pressure medicines (such as Lopressor, Inderal, and Tenormin), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Epilepsy medications (such as Tegretol and Dilantin), Erythromycin (PCE, ERYC, others), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Phenobarbital, or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Taking Felodipine with grapefruit juice can more than double the blood level of the drug. Are there any special warnings about Felodipine? Felodipine can cause your blood pressure to become too low. If you feel light-headed or faint, or if you feel your heart racing or you experience chest pain, contact your doctor immediately. If you have congestive heart failure, Felodipine should be used with caution, especially if you are also taking one of the "beta-blocker" family of drugs, such as Inderal or Tenormin. Your legs and feet may swell when you start taking Felodipine, usually within the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. If you have liver disease or are over age 65, your doctor should monitor your blood pressure carefully while adjusting your dosage of Felodipine. Your gums may become swollen and sore while you are taking Felodipine. Good dental hygiene will help control this problem. |
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