Felodipine is a prescription drug for treatment of high blood pressure. It was approved by the FDA in 1991. It comes in tablet form with strengths of 2.5, 5 and 10 milligrams, respectively. It is also used for treatment of angina, although the FDA has yet to approve the drug for this use. The drug is manufactured and distributed by AstraZeneca. The recommended dosage of this drug is 2.5 to 10 mg once a day.
It should be taken without food, as the latter may lessen its absorption in the body. The tablet should be swallowed whole, and not to be chewed or crushed.
Felodipine Cost Information
The prices of Felodipine vary depending on the strength of the tablet, as well as the stores selling it. Online pharmaceutical stores sell a 5 mg tablet of the drug from as low as 70 cents up to $1.6. Discounts can be availed of by buyers who can present discount codes in online stores that accept them.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $39.00 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $41.00 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $67.00 |
Kmart |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $58.00 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $26.85 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $38.25 |
Kroger |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $27.55 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $27.85 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $79.00 |
Publix |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $26.55 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $26.85 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $38.25 |
Rite Aid |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $49.00 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $49.00 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $80.00 |
Target |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $27.05 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $27.35 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $95.00 |
Walgreens |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $38.00 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $46.00 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $86.00 |
Walmart |
| 2.5mg | 30 tablets | $20.74 |
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $21.88 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $31.18 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Like almost all drugs, Felodipine may cause side effects which could last for a few days, or until the body has grown accustomed to the medication. Most of the time, users of the drug complain of chest pain. Others also suffer from arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm, signs of low blood pressure like fainting, dizziness and lightheadedness, and rapid weight gain. Some users of the drug also experience depression while men may notice enlargement of their breasts. Others also develop hyperglycemia as a result of using this medication.
Long-Term Side Effects
The long term use of the drug may also expose a patient to serious side effects. These include chronic headache, swelling of the lower legs, hands or feet, and unexplained weakness. Some also report of upset stomach or indigestion, upper respiratory tract infections, and dizziness. Others also complain of constipation, stomach pain, vomiting, dry mouth, acid reflux, back pain, anemia, insomnia, muscle cramps, lowered sex drive and impotence. If these side effects persist, a patient may have to stop using Felodipine.
How It Works
Felodipine is an oral calcium-channel blocker belonging to the dihydropyridine (DHP) class. It works by preventing calcium from being released in the muscle cells of the small arteries, resulting to relaxation of the muscles and dilation or expansion of the arteries. Calcium is essential for the contraction of the muscle cells. Dilation of the arteries lessens blood pressure. The drug has minimal effect on the muscles or veins of the heart.
Interactions
Certain drugs may interact with Felodipine, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risks of side effects. For instance, Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Erythromycin may block the breakdown of Felodipine that can result to lower blood pressure. Likewise, Tegretol and Dilantin may decrease blood concentration and thus require higher doses of Felodipine to be administered to patients.
Generic Alternatives
If the use of Felodopine causes side effects that are too bothersome for a patient, a doctor may prescribe alternatives to the drug like Amlodipine, Ramipril, Atenolol, or Plendil.
Share This