Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker

Felodipine

Brand names: Plendil

Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used for hypertension and angina.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended starting dose is 5 mg once a day. Depending on the patient's response, the dosage can be decreased to 2.5 mg or increased to 10 mg once a day. These adjustments should occur generally at intervals of not less than 2 weeks. The recommended dosage range is 2.5 to 10 mg once daily. In clinical trials, doses above 10 mg daily showed an increased blood pressure response but a large increase in the rate of peripheral edema and other vasodilatory adverse events (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Modification of the recommended dosage is usually not required in patients with renal impairment. Felodipine extended-release tablets, USP should regularly be taken either …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2023-12-04. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is vascular-selective, blocking L-type calcium channels in arterial smooth muscle to produce vasodilatation and lower blood pressure.

Prescribing in practice

Grapefruit juice inhibits its CYP3A4 metabolism and raises plasma levels, so it should be avoided.
Common dose-related effects include ankle oedema, flushing and headache.
It is given as a modified-release tablet, which should be swallowed whole.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and review for vasodilatory side effects such as ankle swelling.

Counselling the patient

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Swallow the tablets whole, and report marked ankle swelling or flushing.

Evidence & guidelines

A guideline-recommended dihydropyridine option for hypertension in UK practice (NICE NG136).

Reference: NICE NG136; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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