Plendil is a medication with the active ingredient felodipine. It is also known by its generic name, felodipine, and is sometimes referred to by the brand name Renedil. Plendil is used to treat high blood pressure, helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
You can expect to pay between £0.31 and £1.21 for Plendil per pills. Prices vary with the packaging size and active ingredient quantity (30 or 360 mg).
Plendil (generic name: felodipine) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Felodipine specifically belongs to the class of dihydropyridines, which act primarily on blood vessels to reduce systemic vascular resistance.
Felodipine blocks calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells. This action leads to vasodilation, particularly in arterial smooth muscle, resulting in decreased peripheral vascular resistance and subsequently lowering blood pressure.
Plendil is available in extended-release tablets of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg. The initial recommended dose for treating hypertension in adults is generally 5 mg once daily, adjusted based on patient response. Maximum dosage should not exceed 10 mg per 24-hour period. The tablets should be taken whole, not crushed or chewed, to ensure proper medication release.
Plendil should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels in the bloodstream. It can be taken with or without food, although it is recommended to avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase drug concentration. Ensure to take with a full glass of water to ease swallowing.
Upon oral administration, felodipine is well absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 2.5 to 5 hours. Bioavailability is about 15%, influenced by first-pass metabolism in the liver. The drug has a half-life of approximately 25 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. Felodipine is extensively metabolized in the liver, primarily through the cytochrome P450 3A4 system, and excreted as metabolites in urine and feces.
Plendil can interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, which may increase plasma levels of felodipine. Concomitant use with beta-blockers or other antihypertensive agents may result in additive blood pressure-lowering effects. NSAIDs and rifampicin can reduce its antihypertensive efficacy. Regular monitoring is advised when combined with other drugs.
Common side effects include peripheral edema, headache, flushing, and dizziness due to vasodilation. Less frequently, patients may experience palpitations, rash, or fatigue. Rare but serious side effects include cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and liver enzyme elevations, warranting immediate medical attention.
Plendil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Temperatures should be maintained between 25°C (77°F) with excursions permitted to 15°C – 30°C (59°F – 86°F). Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
If a dose of Plendil is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double doses to make up for the missed one. Resume the normal dosing schedule afterward to ensure consistent therapeutic levels.
Patients with severe hepatic impairment require careful dosing and monitoring due to increased felodipine bioavailability. Use caution in individuals with heart failure, as the drug can cause reflex tachycardia. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use only if clearly needed as the risk to the fetus or infant is not entirely ruled out. Elderly patients may exhibit heightened drug sensitivity and may require dosage adjustments.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure and renal function is recommended to assess medication efficacy and detect potential adverse effects early. Liver function tests should be periodically conducted in patients with predisposing conditions. Communication with healthcare providers for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of therapy is essential.
In pediatric patients, the safety and efficacy of Plendil have not been established, and its use is typically not recommended. For elderly patients, caution is advised due to the potential for increased sensitivity and altered pharmacokinetics, necessitating possible dose adjustments.
Abrupt discontinuation of Plendil is not advisable due to the potential rebound in hypertension. Gradual tapering of the dose under medical supervision is recommended to minimize adverse effects and safely discontinue the therapy.
Healthcare providers should assess the patient’s complete medical history before initiating Plendil to identify potential contraindications. Regular follow-up consultations are vital to review treatment outcomes and patient adherence. Educate patients on the importance of lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise in conjunction with medication for optimal blood pressure control.