Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Plendil (Felodipine).
Congestive Heart Failure: The safety and efficacy of Plendil (Felodipine) for people with heart failure have not been established. If you have congestive heart failure or are at risk of developing congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Plendil (Felodipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Dental hygiene: Because Plendil (Felodipine) can cause swollen and tender gums, it is important to practice good dental hygiene by flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist regularly. Talk to your doctor or dentist to learn more about how to take care of your mouth, gums, and teeth while taking this medication.
Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can increase blood levels of Plendil (Felodipine). Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit before or while you are taking Plendil (Felodipine).
Lactose intolerance: People with hereditary galactose intolerance should not take Plendil (Felodipine).
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Plendil (Felodipine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Plendil (Felodipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plendil (Felodipine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Plendil (Felodipine).
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Low Blood Pressure: Plendil (Felodipine) may cause a severe lowering of blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position, or a racing heart rate, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded or feel your pulse is racing, and this feeling does not go away after a few minutes, call your doctor. Because Plendil (Felodipine) can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, do not get up too quickly after you have been sitting or lying for prolonged periods. If you have heart disease (e.g., heart failure, Heart Attack) or are taking medications that lower blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Plendil (Felodipine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Plendil (Felodipine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. When Plendil (Felodipine) is first prescribed or the dosage is increased, blood pressure should be closely monitored.
Pregnancy: Plendil (Felodipine) may cause harm to a developing baby if it is taken by the mother while pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Plendil (Felodipine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Plendil (Felodipine) should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Plendil (Felodipine) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of Plendil (Felodipine).
