Felodipine Prescription: What You Need to Know

If your doctor just mentioned felodipine, you probably wonder what the pill does, how much you should take, and what to watch out for. Felodipine is a calcium‑channel blocker used to lower high blood pressure. The drug works by relaxing the walls of blood vessels so blood flows more easily. Below we break down the key details you’ll need before you fill the prescription.

How Doctors Decide the Dose

Typical starting doses are 2.5 mg or 5 mg once a day, taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Your doctor may start low if you’re older, have liver problems, or are already on other blood pressure meds. After a week or two, they’ll check your blood pressure and may bump the dose up to 10 mg if needed. Most people stay on 5 mg or 10 mg; doses higher than 10 mg are rare and only for special cases.

When you pick up the prescription, double‑check that the label matches what your doctor wrote. If the pill strength looks different (for example, 2.5 mg instead of 5 mg), call the pharmacy before you start. Even a small mix‑up can change how well the drug works.

Safety Tips and Common Interactions

Felodipine can cause a few predictable side effects: a warm flushed feeling, mild headache, or swelling in the ankles. These usually fade after a few days. If you notice a rapid heartbeat, dizziness that won’t go away, or severe swelling, call your doctor right away.

Some foods and medicines can clash with felodipine. Grapefruit juice, for instance, blocks the enzyme that clears the drug, making its level rise and increasing side effects. A quick rule: skip grapefruit while you’re on felodipine. Also, avoid taking it with other blood pressure drugs that also lower blood pressure too much, such as beta‑blockers or ACE inhibitors, unless your doctor specifically combines them.

Alcohol doesn’t directly interact, but it can lower blood pressure further and make you feel dizzy. Have a drink or two only if your doctor says it’s okay.

Pregnant or breastfeeding moms should talk to a doctor before starting felodipine. The drug isn’t usually recommended unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

When you get a refill, keep an eye on the expiration date and store the pills in a cool, dry place. Do not crush or chew extended‑release tablets; they’re meant to dissolve slowly.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never double up.

Finally, keep a short list of the medicines you’re already taking and show it to the pharmacist when you pick up felodipine. A quick check can catch hidden interactions before they become a problem.

Following these steps helps you get the blood‑pressure‑lowering benefits of felodipine while keeping side effects in check. If anything feels off, reach out to your healthcare provider—better safe than sorry.