Felodipine
Pronunciation: feh-LOE-di-peen.
- Generic name
- felodipine
- Brand names
- Felogard, Felodipine Accord, Fedur, Renedil, Felo ER, Felodipine Mylan
- Drug class
- Cardio-Metabolic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What felodipine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how felodipine works
Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that selectively inhibits the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. This leads to arterial vasodilation, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, and reduced blood pressure. Felodipine has minimal direct effects on cardiac conduction or contractility at therapeutic doses. (1) (2)
What felodipine is used for
Hypertension
Hypertension (2)
Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris (2)
Before taking felodipine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to felodipine or any component of the formulation, and in those with severe hepatic impairment. (Contraindication) (2)
- Dose adjustments may be necessary in elderly patients and those with mild to moderate liver dysfunction. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take felodipine
- General Instructions: Take felodipine exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the morning. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew.. Adult Dosing: The typical starting dose for adults is 5 mg once daily. The dose may be adjusted up to 10 mg once daily based on response. Some patients may start at 2.5 mg if they are elderly or have liver impairment.. Pediatric Dosing: Felodipine is not routinely recommended for children. Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established.. Administration: Take with or without food, but consistently in the same manner each day. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase felodipine levels.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking felodipine suddenly without consulting your doctor. Stopping abruptly may worsen your condition.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or a very slow heartbeat. Seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Peripheral edema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Flushing
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Palpitations
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Gingival hyperplasia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May cause significant lowering of blood pressure, especially when starting or increasing the dose — serious
Symptoms: May cause significant lowering of blood pressure, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Use with caution in patients with severe liver impairment. May worsen angina or cause heart failure in susceptible individuals. Monitor for peripheral edema (swelling of feet/ankles). Drug interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., certain antibiotics, antifungals, and grapefruit juice) may increase felodipine levels.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Formal contraindication per FDA labeling — serious
Symptoms: Formal contraindication per FDA labeling: hypersensitivity to felodipine or any component of the formulation only. (Corrected from an earlier version that also listed severe hepatic impairment as a contraindication — FDA labeling instead recommends a reduced starting dose of 2.5 mg once daily with close monitoring in liver impairment, rather than avoiding the drug entirely.) Use caution in patients with heart failure, aortic stenosis, or significant hypotension. Dose adjustments may be necessary in elderly patients and those with liver dysfunction.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Felodipine is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. Drugs that inhibit this enzyme increase felodipine levels: itraconazole (~8-fold increase), erythromycin (~2.5-fold), grapefruit juice (more than 2-fold), and cimetidine (~50% increase). In the opposite direction, enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital) can substantially REDUCE felodipine levels (to roughly 6% of normal exposure), which can mean loss of blood-pressure control. Tacrolimus levels may rise with felodipine and need monitoring. Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol) are generally well tolerated in combination. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Animal (rabbit) studies showed digital anomalies (reduced size/ossification of the terminal phalanges) at all doses tested; patients should be informed of potential fetal risk. Use during pregnancy only if the prescriber judges the benefit justifies the risk. (2)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether felodipine passes into human milk. Because of the potential for serious effects in a nursing infant, the decision to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue felodipine should be made with the prescriber, weighing the drug's importance to the mother. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal: felodipine's own plasma levels are not significantly altered by renal impairment (only its inactive metabolites rise), so dose modification is typically unnecessary. Hepatic: clearance is reduced to roughly 60% of normal in liver disease; the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily with close blood-pressure monitoring during any dose increase. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: felodipine's own plasma levels are not significantly altered by renal impairment (only its inactive metabolites rise), so dose modification is typically unnecessary. Hepatic: clearance is reduced to roughly 60% of normal in liver disease; the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once daily with close blood-pressure monitoring during any dose increase. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at 20-25C (68-77F), with excursions permitted between 15-30C (59-86F); keep the container tightly closed and protected from light, moisture, and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Hypertension
Dose summary: Initial dose is 5 mg orally once daily. May be increased to 10 mg once daily based on blood pressure response.
Renal context: Renal impairment does not significantly alter felodipine's own plasma levels (only inactive metabolites rise); dose modification is typically unnecessary. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is felodipine used for?
Felodipine is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and sometimes angina (chest pain). Lowering blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
How does felodipine work?
Felodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels by blocking calcium channels in the smooth muscle of the blood vessel walls, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Can I take felodipine with food?
Yes, felodipine can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken the same way each day. Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take an extra dose.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include headache, swelling of the ankles or feet, flushing, dizziness, and palpitations. These are usually mild and temporary.
Is felodipine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Felodipine should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Can felodipine be stopped suddenly?
No, do not stop felodipine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may worsen your condition or cause a rebound increase in blood pressure.
What happens if I take too much Felodipine?
Taking too much felodipine can lead to symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, and a dangerously low heart rate or blood pressure. In such cases, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Overdose can be serious and requires prompt professional intervention to manage potential complications and stabilize the patient's condition.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Felodipine?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking felodipine. Alcohol can exacerbate the blood pressure-lowering effects of felodipine, potentially leading to increased dizziness, lightheadedness, and a greater risk of fainting. Discuss your alcohol intake with your healthcare provider to understand personalized recommendations and potential risks.
Is Felodipine safe during pregnancy?
Felodipine's pregnancy category requires careful consideration. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor to discuss the safety and suitability of continuing or starting felodipine treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of felodipine?
Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that selectively inhibits the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. This leads to arterial vasodilation, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, and reduced blood pressure. Felodipine has minimal direct effects on cardiac conduction or contractility at therapeutic doses. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Felodipine?
The generic name is felodipine. It is sold under brand names including Felogard, Felodipine Accord, Fedur, Renedil, Felo ER, Felodipine Mylan.
What class of drug is felodipine?
Felodipine is classed as: Cardio-Metabolic.
References
- Felodipine clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global (internal clinician repository) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Felodipine extended-release tablets prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (via DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- FELODIPINE TABLET, FILM COATED, EXTENDED RELEASE [BRYANT RANCH PREPACK] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Felodipine — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Felodipine — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA200815)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- felodipine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 4316)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient felodipine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Felopdipine10 mg · westminster pharmaceuticals, llc
Canada
- PLENDIL