Felodipine

Indications

Felodipine is used for: Hypertension, Angina pectoris, Heart Failure

Adult Dose

Oral Hypertension Adult: Initially, 5 mg once daily in the morning, adjust according to response. Maintenance: 2.5-10 mg/day. Max: 20 mg/day. Angina pectoris, Heart Failure Adult: Initially, 5 mg/day, increased to 10 mg/day if necessary. Elderly: Initially, 2.5 mg once daily. Hepatic impairment: Initially, 2.5 mg once daily.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

May be taken with or without food. Take w/o food or w/ a light meal. Avoid grapefruit juice.

Contra Indications

Unstable angina pectoris, cardiogenic shock, aortic stenosis. Use w/in 1 mth of MI.

Precautions

Patients w/ heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy w/ outflow tract obstruction. Hepatic impairment. Elderly. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor BP and heart rate. Lactation: excretion in milk unknown/not recommended

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C Lactation: excretion in milk unknown/not recommended

Interactions

Plasma levels increased by CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. cimetidine, azole antifungals, erythromycin, ritonavir) and reduced CYP3A4 by inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates). May increase concentration of tacrolimus.

Side Effects

Side effects of Felodipine : >10% Headache (11-15%) 1-10% Peripheral edema (2-17%), Flushing (4-7%), Dizziness (1.1-3.4%), Tachycardia (0.4-2.5%) Frequency Not Defined Gingival hyperplasia, Rash, Upper respiratory infection

Mode of Action

Felodipine relaxes coronary vascular smooth muscles by inhibiting Ca ions from entering the slow channels or select voltage-sensitive areas of vascular smooth muscles and myocardium during depolarisation. It also increases myocardial oxygen delivery in patients w/ vasospastic angina.