Calcium channel blocker (blood pressure medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Felodipine is a blood pressure medicine that works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers.
Blocks L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, preventing calcium influx and reducing vasoconstriction to lower blood pressure and improve coronary blood flow.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg once daily, taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase this to 10 mg once daily depending on how your body responds. Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush, chew, or break it because it is designed to release the medicine slowly. You can take it with a light meal but avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. In Nigeria, it is available as Plendil 5 mg and Plendil 10 mg tablets.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for the missed dose.
Only buy Plendil or felodipine from a registered pharmacy — do not buy from roadside sellers or unverified sources as fake blood pressure medicines are dangerous. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly even if you feel fine, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can cause stroke. Check your blood pressure regularly and keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can dangerously increase the amount of felodipine in your blood. Alcohol can make the blood pressure-lowering effect too strong, causing dizziness or fainting. If you are taking other blood pressure medicines, epilepsy drugs like carbamazepine, or antibiotics like erythromycin, tell your doctor as they can affect how felodipine works.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Felodipine with your other drugs?
Felodipine is not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding — do not use it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — this is especially important in Nigeria's hot climate. Keep the tablets in their original pack and away from moisture. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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