Felodipine
PLENDIL
Pronunciation: fe-LOE-di-peen
“Fellow dipping Plenty Dill”
What it isDihydropyridine L-type calcium-channel blocker; hypertension.
Why this oneIts extended-release-only formulation gives smooth pressure control but little practical advantage over amlodipine.
What limits itPeripheral edema and reflex tachycardia can limit use; grapefruit markedly raises exposure through intestinal CYP3A4 inhibition.
Felodipine prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Calcium-channel blockers (1981–2026). Felodipine enters in 1991 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- hypertension (1991)
Principal riskPeripheral edema; grapefruit raises exposure severalfold
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityHypotension and edema therapeutically; overdose can cause prolonged vasodilatory or cardiogenic shock.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | Adults | 5 mg QD | 2.5–10 mg QD | 10 mg QD |
Titration Adjust dose at intervals of not less than 2 weeks
Renal Usually no dosage modification required
Hepatic May have elevated plasma concentrations and respond to lower doses — monitor BP closely and start low
Instructions
- Swallow whole; do not crush or chew
- Take without food or with a light meal
- Elderly: start at the low end (2.5 mg QD) and monitor blood pressure closely
Available strengths
- ER tab 2.5, 5, 10 mg
- tab 2.5, 5, 10 mg
Cautions
- Peripheral edema — dose-related and age-related; markedly increased at doses >10 mg/day
- Elderly and hepatic impairment develop higher plasma concentrations — start low and monitor
Adverse reactions
- Peripheral edema
- Headache
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Palpitation
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry2004
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Memory aids: interaction avatars
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Self-check
- Which food interaction raises felodipine exposure?
Grapefruit. - Which intestinal enzyme explains that felodipine interaction?
CYP3A4.