Plendil
(felodipine)
Lowers blood pressure.
Our bottom line
Plendil (felodipine) works well to lower blood pressure, but it may cause swelling in your arms and legs at higher doses.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (felodipine)
Upsides
- Plendil (felodipine) is a good option for people with high blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers sometimes work better for people of African descent than other blood pressure lowering drugs.
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What to expect from felodipine, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Plendil (felodipine) may not work as well as other calcium channel blockers.
- It can lead to more swelling in your arms and legs when taken at higher doses.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Plendil (felodipine) could cause a sudden spike in blood pressure.
- Plendil (felodipine) can't be crushed or cut into two.
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What to expect from felodipine, on one page
Download Fact SheetPlendil (felodipine) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing heart tissue and lowering pressure in blood vessels, which causes your blood pressure to go down.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (felodipine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$8.32Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Get free coupon
$13.98 - Get free discount
$14.76 - CostcoGet free coupon$16.47
What to expect when you take Plendil (felodipine) for High blood pressure
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Swelling (edema)
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Headache
Side effect rates for Plendil (felodipine)
- Headache10%10%10%10%
- Swelling9%9%3%3%
- Flushing5%5%1%1%
- Racing heart beat4%4%2%2%
- Weakness3%3%3%3%
- Dizziness3%3%3%3%
- Nausea2%2%1%1%
- Colds or flu2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of felodipine.
People taking felodipine felt side effect more
People taking felodipine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Plendil (felodipine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Over age 65
Plendil (felodipine) can lead to low blood pressure and cause lightheadedness and fainting. People who are over 65 years old are more likely to get this. This usually goes away after a few days, but talk to your doctor if it doesn't go away or if it bothers you.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats hypertension (high blood pressure).Common concerns from people taking Plendil (felodipine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Plendil (felodipine) can be taken without food or with a light low fat meal.