Felodipine

What is Felodipine?

Felodipine is a drug that can decrease high blood pressure and prevent chest pains caused by angina. It’s a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing the muscles in your arteries to reduce blood pressure.

Around 25% of adults in the UK have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if your reading is over 140/90mmHg. Having high blood pressure can be serious as it can lead to various health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, heart failure, kidney diseases and more. ^[1]

How does Felodipine work?

Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker. This means it blocks calcium from entering the smooth muscles (the middle layer of the arteries). When calcium enters the smooth muscles, it causes these muscles to contract. This leads to more resistance in blood flow which increases blood pressure. ^[2] When you take Felodipine, it blocks calcium from entering the smooth muscles in your arteries. This relaxes them, allowing blood to flow more easily, and lowering blood pressure. ^[3]

What doses of Felodipine are there?

There are three doses of Felodipine available: 2.5mg, 5mg and 10mg. The dosage you take depends on the condition you are being treated for and your medical profile.

For high blood pressure, your treatment will normally start with 5mg once a day and can increase to 10mg. If you’re an elderly person then it may start at a lower dosage of 2.5mg a day.

If you’re using Felodipine to treat angina, you’ll usually start at 5mg a day and can increase to 10mg a day.

How to take Felodipine

To take Felodipine, follow the directions below:

• Swallow one Felodipine tablet with a full glass of water.
• It’s better to take it in the morning, preferably at the same time every day.
• It should be taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal, ideally not high in fats or carbs
• Don’t take it with grapefruit juice or alongside grapefruit, as this can give you side effects.

How long does it take for Felodipine to work?

Felodipine starts to work as soon as you take it but it might be a couple of weeks before you feel the full effects. When taking it for high blood pressure, you may not feel any different, but this doesn’t mean it’s not working. If you check your blood pressure levels after a period of taking Felodipine, it should have decreased. ^[1]

What happens if I make a mistake whilst taking Felodipine?

If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time.
Taking more than the recommended dose can give you side effects like low blood pressure, palpitations or fast or slow heart rate. If you experience these symptoms or feel faint and dizzy, get medical advice immediately.