Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets)

Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) used

Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) are used to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), who are at risk of cardiovascular disease due to high blood pressure. Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) can either as the first line treatment or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs if normal blood pressure has not been achieved with other medication. Felodipine tablets 5mg are also used to treat chronic stable angina, to relieve and prevent symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness; also to prevent heart attack. Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) are not suitable for acute angina, which requires a different type of medication to relieve symptoms.

Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) work

Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) contain felodipine, a calcium channel blocker that inhibits the inflow of calcium ions across specific calcium channels in the cell membrane into smooth muscle cells of the heart (myocardium) and blood vessel walls (only arteries). Calcium is needed for smooth muscle cells to contract, so by blocking calcium channels, smooth muscle cell contraction is prevented. The result is that the smooth muscle cells relax, which causes peripheral arteries to widen (vasodilation) and this reduces the workload on the heart, which is the force needed for the heart to pump blood around the body (negative inotropic effect). The result of this reduced resistance in peripheral blood vessels is to increase oxygen supply to the heart and decrease blood pressure. Widening of the main arteries of the heart also increases the oxygen supply to the heart and, as the heart workload is reduced, the demand for oxygen is also reduced, which prevents chest pain symptoms of angina caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. Plendil ER (Felodipine Tablets) are formulated for controlled extended release, which means that they are effective over a 24 hour period.