Felodipine

 

Pharmacokinetics

 


Given orally it has high hepatic
metabolism. Hence a higher dose by oral route should be used than by I.V
route. It is highly protein bound .

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Indication
& Dosage

 

Oral

HYPERTENSION/ANGINA: 5-10mg/day. Start at 5mg once a day and increase
upto 20mg daily. Elderly: Increase dose gradually upto a maximum of 10mg
daily. Patients with liver disease: Daily dose should not exceed 10mg.

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Action



Block calcium inflow into
cells. It is 100 times more active against calcium channels in blood
vessels than in the heart. Causes peripheral vasodilatation, reduction
of peripheral resistance and fall of blood pressure. No action in the
heart and on the venous channels.

Renal blood flow increased. In patients with congestive failure, causes
reduction in pulmonary wedge pressure with improvement in symptoms. In
angina, increase in exercise tolerance and reduction in frequency and
intensity of anginal attacks.

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Interaction




Interaction with the following drugs
have been reported : Acetazolamide, Amphotericin B, Corticosteroids,
Dichlorphenamide, Diuretics, Methazolamide, Beta-blockers like
acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, labetalol, metoprolol,
nadolol, oxprenolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol:
Effects of both drugs may be increased. In addition, adverse effects may
occur if a calcium channel blocker or a beta-blocker is stopped suddenly
after use together. Carbamazepine, Cyclosporine, Procainamide, Quinidine:
Effects of these drugs may be increased if they are used with some
calcium channel blockers. Digitalis glycosides :Effects of these drugs
may be potentiated if they are used with some calcium channel blockers.
Disopyramide : Effects of some calcium channel blockers on the heart may
be increased.

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Adverse
Effect & Precaution



Headache, dizziness, ankle
oedema, flushing.

 

Allergies : Allergic reaction to
Felodipine may occur . Pregnancy: Calcium channel blockers have not been
studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that
large doses of calcium channel blockers cause birth defects, prolonged
pregnancy, poor bone development, and stillbirth. Breast-feeding : It
passes into breast milk, but they have not been reported to cause
problems in nursing babies. Older adults: Elderly people may be
especially sensitive to the effects of calcium channel blockers. This
may increase the chance of adverse effects during treatment.

Preganacy: Contraindicated.

Breast Feeding: Contraindicated.

Man: May be used in lowered dose.

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Brands
available in market

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