Plendil (generic name: Felodipine; brand names include: Cardioplen XL / Felendil XL / Felotens XL / Neofel XL / Pinefeld XL / Vascalpha) is a calcium channel blocker.

Plendil is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina pectoris) brought on, for example by exercise or stress.

Plendil works by dilating (expanding) small blood vessels, so that blood can be pumped around the body more easily. It has no negative affect on heart function.

Calcium channel blockers do not change the way that the body takes in calcium from food.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Plendil exactly as directed.

Plendil should be regularly taken either without food or with a light meal. Swallow Plendil tablets whole and wash them down with a glass of water. They must not be divided, crushed or chewed.

High blood pressure

The usual starting dose is 5 mg once a day. If necessary your doctor may increase the dose or add another blood-pressure lowering medicine. The usual dose, when treating this disease for a long time, is 5-10 mg once a day. In elderly patients, a starting dose of 2.5 mg daily may be used.

Angina

The usual starting dose is 5 mg once a day and, if needed, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once a day.

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Plendil.

Do not stop taking Plendil unless you have discussed it with your doctor.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is at least 12 hours before the next dose is due. 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.

Keep Plendil at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Plendil, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have heart problems (uncompensated heart failure, acute heart attack);
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: felodipine.