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.
Plendil is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
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.