USES: Felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Felodipine is known as a calcium channel blocker. By blocking calcium, this medication relaxes and widens blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to prevent chest pain (angina).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once a day on an empty stomach, or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, felodipine may be taken with a light meal. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, which can destroy the long action of the drug and increase side effects. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. This drug is not effective if you use it only when chest pain occurs. It is very important to take this medication regularly as prescribed to help prevent chest pain. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of the hands/ankles/feet (edema). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or worsening chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat. Although unlikely, felodipine may cause mild swelling of the gums. Massage your gums and brush and floss your teeth regularly to minimize this problem. See your dentist regularly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling of the arms and legs (edema). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Before using this medication, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other medications for high blood pressure, intravenous (IV) calcium. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take drugs affecting the removal of felodipine from your system (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors and inducers) such as: azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), certain anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), tacrolimus. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. 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. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, slow heartbeat, severe weakness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor and inform him/her of your blood pressure readings.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store the US product at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).