Plendil: Advanced Blood Pressure Control with Felodipine
| Product dosage: 5mg | |||
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Synonyms | |||
Plendil (felodipine) is a premium calcium channel blocker medication designed for the effective management of hypertension. By selectively inhibiting calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, Plendil promotes peripheral arterial vasodilation, resulting in a significant reduction of systemic vascular resistance. This mechanism of action allows for consistent 24-hour blood pressure control with a single daily dose, supporting long-term cardiovascular health and reducing the strain on vital organs. Trusted by healthcare professionals globally, Plendil represents a cornerstone therapy in modern antihypertensive treatment regimens.
Features
- Active ingredient: Felodipine (extended-release formulation)
- Drug class: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
- Available strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg tablets
- Administration: Oral, once daily
- Special coating: Gastro-resistant extended-release tablet for consistent 24-hour plasma concentration
- Prescription status: Rx-only medication
Benefits
- Provides smooth, 24-hour blood pressure control with a single daily dose
- Reduces peripheral vascular resistance without compromising cardiac output
- Demonstrates proven efficacy in lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Features a favorable side effect profile compared to earlier generation calcium antagonists
- Supports long-term cardiovascular risk reduction when used as prescribed
- Maintains consistent therapeutic effect throughout the dosing interval
Common use
Plendil is primarily indicated for the management of hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It may be particularly suitable for patients who require vasodilation-based blood pressure control without significant effects on cardiac conduction. The medication is often prescribed for patients with isolated systolic hypertension and may be considered for those who have demonstrated intolerance to other antihypertensive classes. Clinical evidence supports its use in diverse patient populations, though individual response should be monitored regularly.
Dosage and direction
The recommended initial dosage of Plendil is 5 mg once daily, which may be adjusted based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Dosage adjustments should occur at intervals of not less than 2 weeks, with the maximum recommended daily dose being 10 mg. For elderly patients or those with hepatic impairment, initiation at 2.5 mg daily is recommended. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, without crushing or chewing, and may be taken with or without food—though consistency in administration relative to meals is advised. The medication is typically administered in the morning to coincide with the natural circadian rhythm of blood pressure.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored for the development of peripheral edema, which is dose-related and more common in elderly patients. Blood pressure should be regularly monitored, especially during initiation and titration phases. Use with caution in patients with heart failure or severe aortic stenosis, as reflex tachycardia may occur. Hepatic impairment requires dosage adjustment and careful monitoring. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice, as it may significantly increase felodipine bioavailability. Orthostatic hypotension may occur, particularly in volume-depleted patients. Dental procedures may require special consideration due to potential gingival hyperplasia.
Contraindications
Plendil is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to felodipine or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in patients with severe hypotension (systolic pressure <90 mmHg). The medication is contraindicated in patients experiencing cardiogenic shock and those with unstable angina except when used in combination with beta-blockers. Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir is contraindicated due to the risk of significantly increased felodipine exposure.
Possible side effect
Common adverse reactions include peripheral edema (dose-dependent), headache, flushing, and dizziness. Less frequently, patients may experience palpitations, fatigue, nausea, or gingival hyperplasia. Rare but serious side effects include symptomatic hypotension, syncope, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias. Allergic reactions including rash and pruritus have been reported. Laboratory abnormalities may include transient elevations in liver enzymes. Most side effects are dose-related and often diminish with continued therapy or dosage adjustment.
Drug interaction
Plendil undergoes extensive metabolism by CYP3A4, resulting in significant interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors (macrolide antibiotics, antifungal agents, HIV protease inhibitors) which increase felodipine concentrations, and inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine) which decrease concentrations. Concomitant use with beta-blockers may potentiate hypotension but is generally well-tolerated. Additive hypotensive effects may occur with other antihypertensives, nitrates, or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Felodipine may increase concentrations of tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and simvastatin. Grapefruit juice must be avoided due to significant interaction potential.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. If it is near the time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should never take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency in dosing is important for maintaining stable blood pressure control, so patients should establish routines to support regular administration. If multiple doses are missed, blood pressure should be monitored and a healthcare provider consulted before resuming therapy.
Overdose
Felodipine overdose may manifest as pronounced hypotension, reflex tachycardia, and shock. Bradycardia may occur in some cases due to reflex mechanisms. Management includes cardiovascular monitoring and supportive care, including elevation of lower extremities. Activated charcoal may be administered if ingestion was recent. Intravenous calcium gluconate may be beneficial in reversing the effects of calcium channel blockade. Vasopressor agents such as dopamine or norepinephrine may be required for blood pressure support. Due to the extended-release formulation, monitoring should continue for at least 24 hours as delayed effects may occur.
Storage
Store Plendil tablets at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F), with excursions permitted between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Tablets should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Do not transfer tablets to other containers, as the desiccant included in the original packaging is necessary for stability. Do not use if the blister pack is damaged or tablets show signs of deterioration. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Plendil is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to therapy may vary, and patients should follow their prescribing physician’s instructions precisely. The complete prescribing information should be consulted before initiating therapy. Never adjust dosage or discontinue medication without medical supervision.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Plendil’s efficacy in reducing blood pressure with once-daily dosing. In the HOT study, felodipine-based therapy showed significant cardiovascular risk reduction. Patient reviews often note effective blood pressure control with convenient dosing, though some report peripheral edema as a bothersome side effect. Healthcare professionals appreciate its predictable pharmacokinetics and well-established safety profile. Real-world evidence supports its position as a valuable option in hypertension management, particularly when vasodilation is desired without significant effects on cardiac conduction.