Felodipine
NHS medicines information on felodipine, including what it's used for, side effects, who can take it and how to use it.
What felodipine is for
Felodipine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina.
It's a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, which helps to increase the blood flow and oxygen supply to your heart.
How to take felodipine
Felodipine comes as tablets that you take once a day in the morning. You'll usually need to take it long term.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
When taking felodipine:
- swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water
- take it at the same time each day
Check your packet or leaflet to see if you should take your medicine with food or not.
Your doctor may change your dose depending on how well it's working and how you're finding any side effects.
Side effects of felodipine
Like all medicines, felodipine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of felodipine include:
- your ankles gradually becoming swollen
- headaches
- flushing, where your face, neck or chest suddenly feel hot and look red (redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- stomach pain
- feeling dizzy
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- your heartbeat being more noticeable (palpitations) – it may feel like it's beating very fast, pounding, fluttering or not beating steadily
Felodipine can sometimes cause dizziness and tiredness. If this happens, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until this has stopped.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of felodipine.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website
Who can and cannot take felodipine
Most adults can take felodipine, but it's not suitable for everyone.
For example, it may not be suitable if you have:
- had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from felodipine or a similar medicine before
- heart failure, heart disease, heart valve problems or have recently had a heart attack
- a fast heartbeat
- liver problems
- low blood pressure
- gum problems
Before taking felodipine, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and felodipine
Felodipine can be taken if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.
If you're taking felodipine while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and felodipine
Felodipine is not recommended for use in pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy. They may suggest switching to another medicine or stopping taking felodipine while you're pregnant.
Taking felodipine with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with felodipine.
This includes some types of:
- antibiotics, such as erythromycin
- antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole
- epilepsy medicines
- medicines for stomach ulcers
- medicines for HIV
- herbal remedies, such as St John's wort
Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking any other medicines, or any herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements, if you've been prescribed felodipine.
Food, drink and alcohol with felodipine
Do not drink eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice if you're taking felodipine.
Drinking alcohol while taking felodipine can increase the risks of side effects like low blood pressure.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
