Felodipine is a medication used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure). According to Drugs.com, felodipine belongs to a category of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Specifically, it relaxes the muscles in your blood vessels, subsequently reducing your blood pressure. The National Library of Medicine says that the initial dose of felodipine is 5mg daily.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, felodipine can commonly cause a headache, weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness. It may also cause tachycardia (a fast heartbeat), constipation, heartburn and gingival hyperplasia (a condition in which your gums overgrow). These side effects are non-malignant and should not cause alarm. Notify your physician when these side effects remain for three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
Felodipine may cause such potentially life-threatening side effects as trouble breathing, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), bradycardia (a slow heartbeat) and chest pain. It can also cause jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), strange behavior, and edema (swelling) of your ankles and face. The National Library of Medicine says that felodipine may also cause anemia (low red blood cell counts), acid regurgitation, and knee and hip pain. Anemia may lead to fatigue and weakness. Felodipine may lead to such psychiatric disorders as depression, anxiety, nervousness and irritability. Call your doctor as soon as felodipine causes these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid felodipine if you are allergic to it. Signs of an allergy to the medication include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of your face, throat or lips.
Drugs.com says that you should avoid felodipine if you have liver, heart failure, hypotension (low blood pressure) or heart disease. Felodipine may worsen these conditions.
Drugs.com says that felodipine may adversely combine with cimetidine, itraconazole, phenytoin, erythromycin and rifampin, causing the aforementioned side effects.
Avoid combining grapefruit and grapefruit beverages with felodipine, as this may lead to the aforementioned side effects.
It is unclear whether felodipine can harm your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Prior to using felodipine, inform your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Member Comments