Felodipine
Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine class) used primarily to treat hypertension. It works by blocking calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing relaxation and vasodilation, which reduces blood pressure. It may also be used for other cardiovascular conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C08CA02
- RxNorm
- 4316
- Generic
- Felodipine
- Class
- atc-c08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and maternal blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks, consider alternative closer to delivery
regular fetal monitoring and maternal blood pressure monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
felodipine is excreted in breast milk, breastfeeding should be avoided
monitor infant for symptoms of hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose
initiate therapy at 2.5 mg once daily, monitor blood pressure closely
regular blood pressure monitoring, watch for orthostatic hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatricnot recommended
not approved for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age
not applicable
renal_impairment
renal impairmentno dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment
use with caution in severe renal impairment, not removed by dialysis
monitor blood pressure and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentreduce dose
reduce initial dose in patients with hepatic impairment, felodipine is metabolized in liver
monitor blood pressure closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological action
Felodipine is primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It may also be used for other cardiovascular conditions involving vasodilation or as determined by a healthcare provider.
Felodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist that blocks voltage-dependent calcium currents in vascular smooth muscle. This causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance, which lowers blood pressure.
Common side effects may include peripheral edema (swelling of extremities), headache, and flushing. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase drug levels. Use with caution in patients with heart failure or hepatic impairment. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor as sudden discontinuation may worsen condition.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy