Felodipine
Felodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers the blood pressure by blocking calcium, relaxes the heart muscle and dilates the heart blood vessels. It has been known since the late 1800s that calcium influx was necessary for the contraction of muscle. The discovery of calcium channel in a cardiac muscle was followed by the finding of several diffent type of calcium channel in diffrent tissues. These discoveries provided the necessary mechanisms for the triggering of cardiac and smooth muscle contraction. The discovery of these channels also made possible the developemnet of clinically useful blocking drugs.
Primary Characteristics
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Dihydropyridine.
It belongs to Calcium L-channel antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.
Molecular Weight: 384.2 · pKa: <1 · Solubility in Water: <1 in 10000000 · Solubility in Alcohol: high · Non-proprietary name: Felodipine.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Felodipine has an oral bioavailability is 100%, pre-systemic (first-pass) metabolism accounts for 85%.
Distribution: Felodipine has a volume of distribution is 10 l/kg. plasma protein binding is >99%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via complete, plasma half-life is 25 hr, renal excretion is major.
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Indications
Felodipine is primarily indicated in conditions like Angina, Hypertension, Prophylaxis of angina.
Contraindications
None recorded.
Dosage
Felodipine's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 2.5 – 20 mg | — | Every 24h | PO | Maintenance |
| 5 mg | 5 mg | Every 24h | PO | Initial |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | — | Not Recommended in this Age Group |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0 – 0 | — | — | Not recommended in this age group | |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Felodipine are Bradycardia, Hypotension, Excessive peripheral vasodilation.
Felodipine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Ankle swelling, dizziness, Fatigue, Flushing, Headache, Palpitation, Pruritus , Rashes .
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Felodipine may interfere in the diagnosis of Increased in Serum Aminotransferase.
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.12.3.2 — Calcium antagonists