Plendil

Plendil is an extended-release medication that is prescribed to treat high blood pressure. By slowing down the rate at which calcium moves into the heart and blood vessel walls, the drug can help decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Plendil comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Side effects may include headaches, weakness, and dizziness.

 

What Is Plendil?

Plendil® (felodipine) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
(Click Plendil Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Plendil?

Plendil is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

How Does Plendil Work?

Plendil is part of a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by slowing 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 channels do not. Plendil is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it does not have an effect on heart rate.
 

Effects of Plendil

Plendil decreases blood pressure, possibly reducing the risks that can occur with long-term high blood pressure (see
 Effects of High Blood Pressure). In clinical studies, the drug reduced systolic blood pressure by up to 18 mmHg, on average, and reduced diastolic blood pressure by 10.8 mmHg, on average.
 
(Plendil Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;