Felodipine

Felodipine

Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is a member of the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers, which also includes drugs such as amlodipine, nifedipine, and nicardipine. Felodipine works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure.

Pharmacology

Felodipine is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels and improves blood flow. It does this by blocking the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells. This inhibition of calcium influx prevents muscle contraction, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure.

Clinical Use

Felodipine is primarily used to treat hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It is also sometimes used to treat angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart.

Side Effects

Common side effects of felodipine include headache, flushing, and edema. Less common side effects can include dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue. In rare cases, felodipine can cause serious side effects such as hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and exacerbation of angina.

Contraindications

Felodipine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dihydropyridines. It should also be used with caution in patients with severe aortic stenosis, a condition in which the opening of the aortic valve is narrowed.

Drug Interactions

Felodipine can interact with a number of other drugs, including beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and CYP3A4 inhibitors. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of felodipine.

See Also

• Calcium channel blocker
• Hypertension
• Dihydropyridine
• Angina pectoris