PLENDIL
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING PLENDIL.
FELODIPINE - ORAL EXTENDED RELEASE (fell-OH-dih-peen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Plendil
USES:
PLENDIL is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood
vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, felodipine relaxes and
widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat high blood pressure.
OTHER USES:
PLENDIL may also be used for chest pain (angina).
HOW TO TAKE PLENDIL:
Tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew tablets.
PLENDIL must be taken as directed to reduce blood pressure. It
should be taken even if you do not feel sick. Most people with high
blood pressure do not have any symptoms. Try to take PLENDIL at the
same time each day. Do not stop taking PLENDIL suddenly without your
doctor's permission. Some conditions can become worse if the
medication is stopped too fast. PLENDIL is best taken without food
(one hour before or two hours after a meal). If stomach upset
occurs, it may be taken with a light meal.
SIDE EFFECTS:
PLENDIL may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during
the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you
sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and
allow your body to adjust. You may also experience headache,
flushing, nausea, tingling hands and feet, cough, sleep disturbances
and swollen gums. These effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if they become
bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop breathing
difficulties, swelling of the face, hands and feet or an irregular
heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have pre-existing heart disease or liver
disease. PLENDIL should be used only if clearly needed during
pregnancy. It is not known if felodipine appears in breast milk;
consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Limit alcohol while
taking PLENDIL as it can enhance dizziness. PLENDIL may cause
enlargement of the gums. This can be minimized by maintaining good
oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing and massaging of the
gums.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take including sedatives, tranquilizers, erythromycin
antibiotic, cimetidine, ranitidine, phenytoin, beta-blockers,
carbamazepine, digoxin, or theophylline. Avoid any drugs that
increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine,
pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs
are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do
not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor
instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
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.
MISSED DOSE:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15
and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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