Plendil (felodipine) is a calcium-channel blocker. Plendil affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This results in relaxation of blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do.

Plendil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart and chest pain brought on, by exercise or stress (known as angina pectoris).

Plendil contains the active ingredient felodipine, which is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. Plendil acts on the heart and blood vessels.

Plendil works by slowing the movement of calcium through the muscle cells that are found in the walls of blood vessels. Plendil acts specifically on the muscle cells in the walls of small arteries (arterioles). Plendil slows calcium movement by blocking \\\'calcium channels\\\' in these muscle cells. Calcium is needed by muscle cells in order

Do not take Plendil with grapefruit juice, as grapefruit juice tends to increase the effects of Plendil.

Adults
Your doctor will adjust the dose according to your response to the drug.

The usual starting dose of Plendil is 5 milligrams once a day; your doctor will adjust the dose at intervals of not less than 2 weeks.

The usual dose

Plendil enhances the blood pressure lowering effect of other medicines used to lower blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers or diuretics. This may sometimes cause dizziness.

The amount of Plendil in the blood is decreased by the following medicines:

• phenytoin
• carbamazapine
• phenobarbital (phenobarbitone).

Your doctor may increase your Plendil dose because of this.

The amount of Plendil in the blood may be increased by the following medicines:

Most Important Fact about Plendil
If you have blood pressure take Plendil regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Plendil ; you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Plendil does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Plendil precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Plendil should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful

More common side effects of Plendil may include:

• flushing,
• headache,
• swelling of the legs and feet

Less common side effects of Plendil may include:

• anemia,
• angina pectoris (chest pain),
• ankle pain,
• anxiety disorders,
• arm pain, arthritis,
• back pain,
• blurred vision,
• breast enlargement,
• bronchitis,
• bruising,
• constipation,
• cough,
• diarrhea,
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