Generic Plendil, 24 hour tablets

Chemical Name: FELODIPINE

Common uses

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), intravenous (IV) calcium, carbamazepine, cimetidine, digoxin, erythromycin, or phenytoin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Take this medicine either without food or with a light meal. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. While you are using this medicine, brush and floss your teeth carefully. Also, have regular dental check-ups. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, headache, feeling of warmth (flushing), diarrhea, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of ankles or hands, rash, difficulty breathing, or enlarged breasts in men. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.