The Comprehensive Guide to Felodipine
Felodipine belongs to the class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It is mainly used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing your heart muscles and blood vessel. It is essential to know what felodipine, is and its benefits. Also, you should be aware of any possible side effects. You can also get expert advice on how to start taking it.
What is Felodipine?
Felodipine is a drug prescribed to treat hypertension. The drug belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers that relaxes your blood vessel and heart muscles. It's not a common drug to be seen in the news , but its ability to manage hypertension is what makes it so important in cardiotherapy.
Felodipine: Its Uses
Research has shown that felodipine is effective in treating and managing hypertension. A study in the Journal of Hypertension found that felodipine reduces both systolic (high) and diastolic (low) blood pressure. This lowers the risk of heart complications caused by hypertension.
- Hypertension treatment (high blood tension)
- Angina pectoris (chest pains) caused by coronary artery diseases: prevention
Benefits of Felodipine
Studies have revealed that felodipine may offer additional health benefits, in addition to treating hypertension. According to a study published in the journal of the American Heart Association, felodipine can improve cardiovascular health by improving endothelial functioning.
- Blood Pressure Reduction
- Endothelial Function Improved
Side Effects of Felodipine
Although felodipine generally is well tolerated, there may be some unwanted side effects. Mayo Clinic reports that these side effects can include swelling in the feet or ankles, flushing and feeling warm.
- Ankle or foot swelling
- Feeling of heat or a feeling like a flush
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Expert opinions on Felodipine
The effectiveness of felodipine as a treatment for hypertension is widely acknowledged by medical professionals. A review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that felodipine is a highly effective and safe treatment for hypertension, with low rates of adverse reactions.
Felodipine: How to Start?
It is important that you follow the instructions of your doctor if felodipine has been prescribed. Adults should start with 5mg once daily. This can be increased or decreased depending on the individual's response. You can purchase it from any pharmacy that has a prescription.
- Begin with a low dose, and increase it gradually if needed under the guidance of your physician
- Drink a glass or two of water while taking the medicine
- The tablet should not be crushed or chewed.
Felodipine: Potential risks
Anyone who has an allergy to Felodipine or its ingredients should avoid taking it. The drug is not prescribed to pregnant women, unless it has benefits that outweigh its risks.
Felidipine is an effective medication for hypertension that helps relax the heart muscle and blood vessel muscles. The benefits include improved endothelial functions, but side effects such as ankle swelling need to be watched. Consult a doctor before taking felodipine.
.