Felogard (Felodipine)

Felogard 5 mg (Felodipine)

What is Felodipine?
Felodipine is known as a calcium channel blocker drug which dilates (widens) blood vessels (veins and arteries) making it easier for the heart to pump blood and lower its workload. This medicine is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. It may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
Felodipine is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Plendil and Felogard (made by Cipla).

Important Information about Felodipine
Do not take Felodipine (Plendil, Felogard) if you are allergic to it. Before taking this medication, let your doctor know if you are allergic to it or to other drugs, or if you have ever had heart disease (congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the arms and legs (edema). Felodipine can cause mild swelling of the gums which can be avoided with good dental hygiene (proper brushing and flossing).
Before having a surgery or any other medical procedure, inform your doctor or other healthcare personnel that you are consuming Felodipine. This medication can make you dizzy. Do not drive or do any activities which require a great deal of alertness until you are sure that you can do them safely. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
Felodipine is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known whether this medication can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. It is also not known if this medication can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. You must consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Before taking Felodipine
Before taking Felodipine (Plendil, Felogard), let your doctor know if you are allergic to it or to other drugs, or if you have ever had heart disease (congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the arms and legs (edema).

How should I take Felodipine?
Take Felodipine strictly according to your doctor’s directions or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Felodipine can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place.
Do not break, crush, or chew an extended release tablet of Felodipine. Instead, swallow it whole. Breaking, crushing, or chewing an extended release tablet may cause too much of the drug to be release in a short time. Let your doctor know if you experience excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions can cause severe low blood pressure. 

What if I miss a dose?
Remember to take your medications on time and never forget any doses. However, if you forget to take a dose for any reasons, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can cause overdose. 

What if I overdose?
In case of an overdose of Felodipine, get emergency medical attention or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose may lead to severe dizziness, slow heart rate, redness or tingling in your arms and legs, and feeling like you might pass out.

Things and Activities to avoid while taking Felodipine
Alcohol must be avoided while taking Felodipine as alcohol will further lower blood pressure. Also avoid activities which require a high level of mental awareness and reflexes (such as driving). Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit based products as they can interact with Felodipine and cause potentially dangerous effects.

Felodipine Side Effects
Some common side effects of Felodipine are dizziness, light headedness, tiredness, or headache. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, get medical attention right away. A serious side effect is unlikely. However, if you experience any serious side effects due to elevated potassium levels (fast, irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle weakness), fainting, decreased or no urination, or any other serious side effect, seek medical attention immediately.
The side effects thus mentioned are not all inclusive. If you get any other serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away. FDA has a side effects reporting helpline (1-800-FDA-1088) which you may call and report your side effects to.

Felodipine Dosing Information
Felodipine dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Interaction with other drugs
Many other drugs can interact with Felodipine. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially cemitidine, lithium, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), HIV/AIDS medicines, certain antibiotics (clartithromycin, erythromycin, or others), seizure medicines, certain antidepressants, or a diuretic. Information provided in this guide is non exhaustive. There may be other interacting drugs . Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.