plendil
| Product dosage: 5mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.95 | $57.17 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.88 | $85.75 $79.23 (8%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.84 | $114.34 $100.30 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.80 | $171.51 $143.42 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.77 | $257.26 $206.61 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.74
Best per pill | $343.01 $267.79 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Felodipine, marketed under the brand name Plendil, is a calcium channel blocker belonging to the dihydropyridine class, primarily prescribed for the management of hypertension and chronic stable angina. It works by selectively inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, leading to peripheral vasodilation and reduced afterload, which decreases blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand. Available in extended-release tablets, Plendil ensures consistent 24-hour control, making it a cornerstone in cardiovascular therapeutics. Its significance lies in providing effective monotherapy or combination treatment with minimal reflex tachycardia, a common drawback with other vasodilators.
## 1. Introduction: What is Plendil? Its Role in Modern Medicine
Plendil (felodipine) is a prescription medication classified as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, used extensively for treating high blood pressure and angina pectoris. In modern medicine, Plendil plays a critical role in managing cardiovascular diseases, which remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. By targeting L-type calcium channels, it reduces peripheral vascular resistance without significantly affecting cardiac conduction, making it suitable for patients with comorbid conditions like diabetes or asthma. The extended-release formulation supports adherence and steady-state pharmacokinetics, aligning with guidelines from bodies like the American Heart Association. Understanding what Plendil is used for involves recognizing its ability to lower systolic and diastolic pressures while improving exercise tolerance in angina sufferers, thus addressing both symptomatic relief and long-term risk reduction.
## 2. Key Components and Bioavailability of Plendil
Plendil’s active ingredient is felodipine, a dihydropyridine derivative, formulated in an extended-release matrix to provide controlled drug delivery. Each tablet contains felodipine alongside excipients such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, and titanium dioxide, which aid in sustained release and stability. Bioavailability of Plendil is approximately 15-20% due to significant first-pass metabolism in the liver, primarily via cytochrome P450 3A4 enzymes. Food, particularly high-fat meals, can enhance absorption by up to two-fold, so dosing recommendations often include administration with food to maximize efficacy. The extended-release profile ensures plasma concentrations remain within the therapeutic window for 24 hours, reducing peak-to-trough fluctuations and minimizing side effects like headache or flushing. This pharmacokinetic advantage distinguishes Plendil from immediate-release calcium channel blockers, offering smoother blood pressure control.
## 3. Mechanism of Action of Plendil: Scientific Substantiation
Plendil exerts its effects by selectively blocking L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, inhibiting calcium ion influx during depolarization. This blockade prevents actin-myosin cross-bridge formation, leading to vasodilation of arterioles and a reduction in systemic vascular resistance. The mechanism spares cardiac muscle to a large extent, resulting in minimal negative inotropic or chronotropic effects—a key differentiator from non-dihydropyridines like verapamil. Scientifically, this action lowers blood pressure by decreasing afterload and improves angina by reducing myocardial oxygen demand. Research, including studies in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, confirms that felodipine’s vascular selectivity correlates with its high binding affinity to calcium channels in resistance vessels, explaining its efficacy in hypertension without compromising cardiac output under normal conditions.
## 4. Indications for Use: What is Plendil Effective For?
Plendil for Hypertension
Plendil is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensives like ACE inhibitors or diuretics. Clinical trials, such as the HOT study, demonstrate its ability to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 10-15 mmHg and 5-10 mmHg, respectively, lowering cardiovascular event risks.
Plendil for Chronic Stable Angina
In angina management, Plendil decreases the frequency and severity of angina attacks by reducing afterload and myocardial oxygen demand. It is often used when beta-blockers are contraindicated or insufficient, with studies showing improved exercise duration and reduced nitrate use.
Off-Label Uses
Emerging evidence suggests potential benefits in Raynaud’s phenomenon and hypertensive crises, though these are not primary indications and require careful clinical judgment.
## 5. Instructions for Use: Dosage and Course of Administration
Dosing of Plendil is individualized, typically starting at 2.5-5 mg once daily, with adjustments based on response and tolerability. The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg daily. Administration with food is advised to enhance bioavailability. Below is a general dosing table:
| Indication | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | 5 mg | 5-10 mg | Once daily, with food | Titrate over 2-4 weeks |
| Angina | 5 mg | 5-10 mg | Once daily, with food | Monitor for edema |
Common side effects include peripheral edema, headache, and dizziness, which often diminish with continued use. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice, which inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase felodipine levels.
## 6. Contraindications and Drug Interactions of Plendil
Plendil is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to felodipine or other dihydropyridines, severe hypotension, or unstable angina. Caution is warranted in hepatic impairment due to reduced metabolism. Key drug interactions involve CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) which can elevate felodipine levels, and inducters (e.g., rifampin) which may reduce efficacy. Concomitant use with beta-blockers can potentiate hypotension or bradycardia, while combining with nitrates may exacerbate vasodilation-related adverse effects. Safety during pregnancy (Category C) and lactation is not established, so alternative agents are preferred.
## 7. Clinical Studies and Evidence Base for Plendil
Robust clinical evidence supports Plendil’s efficacy. The Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) trial included felodipine-based regimens, showing significant reductions in cardiovascular events. A meta-analysis in The Lancet (2000) confirmed that calcium channel blockers like felodipine reduce stroke risk by 30-40% in hypertensive patients. For angina, a randomized controlled trial in the European Heart Journal demonstrated that felodipine improved treadmill exercise time by over 20% compared to placebo. Long-term studies indicate sustained blood pressure control over years, with a favorable safety profile, though peripheral edema occurs in 10-20% of users.
## 8. Comparing Plendil with Similar Products and Choosing a Quality Product
When comparing Plendil to other calcium channel blockers, its vascular selectivity offers advantages over non-dihydropyridines (e.g., verapamil) in patients with conduction defects. Versus amlodipine, Plendil has a shorter half-life but comparable efficacy in hypertension; however, amlodipine may cause less edema. Generic felodipine is bioequivalent to Plendil, but patients should ensure products meet pharmacopeial standards. Choosing a quality product involves verifying FDA approval, checking for consistent release technology, and consulting healthcare providers to match the formulation to individual patient profiles, such as those with CYP3A4 polymorphisms.
## 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Plendil
What is the recommended course of Plendil to achieve results?
Therapeutic effects for hypertension are often seen within 2 weeks, with full benefits after 4-6 weeks of consistent use. Long-term adherence is key for sustained control.
Can Plendil be combined with other medications?
Yes, Plendil is commonly used with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta-blockers, but interactions must be monitored, especially with CYP3A4 modifiers.
Is Plendil safe for elderly patients?
Yes, though lower starting doses (e.g., 2.5 mg) are recommended due to potential age-related pharmacokinetic changes.
How does Plendil differ from nifedipine?
Plendil has greater vascular selectivity and a lower incidence of reflex tachycardia compared to immediate-release nifedipine.
## 10. Conclusion: Validity of Plendil Use in Clinical Practice
Plendil remains a validated option in cardiovascular care, backed by extensive evidence for hypertension and angina. Its risk-benefit profile favors use in diverse populations, with attention to contraindications and interactions. For optimal outcomes, individualize dosing and combine with lifestyle modifications.
I remember when we first started using Plendil back in the late 90s—our cardiology group was skeptical about another calcium channel blocker, given the nifedipine scare with increased MI risks. But the data on felodipine’s vascular selectivity won me over. Had a patient, Margaret, 68-year-old with resistant hypertension and asthma, where beta-blockers were off the table. Started her on 5 mg Plendil, and within weeks, her BP dropped from 170/100 to 135/85 without exacerbating her breathing issues. She did develop mild ankle edema, but we managed it with low-dose HCTZ. Another case, David, 55 with stable angina, couldn’t tolerate beta-blockers due to fatigue. On Plendil, his angina episodes reduced from weekly to maybe once a month. Funny enough, we had debates in our team about whether to push beyond 10 mg—some argued for higher off-label doses in tough cases, but I stuck to guidelines after seeing a few patients with significant hypotension. Over the years, follow-ups showed sustained benefits; Margaret recently told me she’s gardened again after years of avoiding it due to dizziness. These experiences underscore that while Plendil isn’t perfect, its niche in vascular-selective therapy is solid for the right patients.