Plendil Uses

Plendil is used for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults. However, on occasion, healthcare providers may also prescribe the drug "off-label" to treat other medical conditions. One example of off-label Plendil uses is the treatment of chest pain. The medication works by relaxing the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

 

Plendil Uses: An Overview

Plendil® (felodipine) is a prescription medication licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
 

Plendil Uses for High Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, Plendil has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, the drug can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, which can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, Plendil is not a cure for the condition. Plendil is approved for use alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.
 

How Plendil Works

Plendil is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. It helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Plendil is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not have an effect on heart rate.
 
(Plendil Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;