Plendil
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Plendil
Plendil is dihydropyridine class of CCB (calcium channel blockers). Calcium is necessary for contraction of the muscles and Plendil blocks the entry of calcium into the muscle cells and thereby prevent contraction of muscles of small blood vessels (mainly arteries) and cause blood vessels to relax and dilate. Plendil has little or no effect on the muscles of veins or the heart. Other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are nifedipine, amlodipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine etc. FDA approved Plendil in 1991.
Therapeutic Uses of Plendil
Plendil is used in the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. If blood pressure is lowered to normal, it helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Plendil can also be used in the treatment of anginal chest pain. Plendil also can be used in heart failure and other medical conditions that your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Plendil
- Plendil is taken orally once a day on empty stomach or as directed by your doctor. If you experience any stomach irritation, you should take it with light meal.
- Dose of Plendil depends on your clinical condition and also your response to treatment. The tablet of Plendil should be taken (swallowed) as a whole without breaking, crushing or chewing it, because it may cause more side effects and also reduce duration of action.
- To get the best or maximum benefit Plendil should be used regularly and at the same time every day. You should continue taking Plendil (most of the people with high blood pressure do not feel sick) even if you feel better for maintaining normal blood pressure.
- If you are using it for treatment of angina, you should take it regularly as prescribe by your doctor. If you take Plendil after you get chest pain, it will be not useful.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while on Plendil unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream and cause more side effects like low blood pressure.
- Do not stop taking Plendil without consulting your doctor. If you stop it suddenly it may cause sudden increase of blood pressure and some other medical conditions. If you have to stop this medicine you may have to do it gradually. Ask your doctor or other health care provider if you have any more doubt about Plendil.
If You Miss a Dose of Plendil
If you miss a dose of Plendil, take it as soon as you remember it. If you miss it for long time and it is almost time for the next dose, you should skip the missed dose of Plendil and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses of Plendil at a time.
How to Store Plendil
Plendil (US product) should be stored at temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Plendil of Canadian product should be stored product at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). It should be stored away from heat, moisture and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children.
More Information About Plendil
Lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction programs (meditation, yoga etc.), exercise, and dietary changes can increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Consult your doctor about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Check your blood pressure regularly while taking Plendil. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure (alternately there are battery operated blood pressure monitors available you can use at home without help of others). Discuss with your doctor and inform him/her of your blood pressure readings. Plendil should not be shared with others.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Plendil
- If you have allergy to Plendil or any of the ingredients used in manufacturing it, you should inform your doctor or other health care provider.
- You should inform your medical history in detail to your doctor before you start taking Plendil. You must inform if you have any diseases like heart disease (congestive heart failure), liver disease, swelling or edema of the arms and legs.
- Plendil should be used only when clearly indicated during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Plendil during pregnancy, with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast feeding your baby for potential risk to your baby.
- Use this medication cautiously in the elderly people, because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially dizziness.
- Before undergoing surgery, you should inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
- This drug may make you dizzy, use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery that require constant attention. Limit alcoholic beverages as it may increase the side effect of dizziness. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Possible Adverse Effects of Plendil
- Consult your doctor immediately if any of the serious side effects like swelling of the hands, ankles, feet occur.
- Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects fainting occurs.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, flushing, or stomach upset may occur commonly as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects become persistent or bothersome, notify your doctor or other health care provider promptly.
- Inform your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects like new or worsening chest pain, fast and/or irregular heartbeat occur. Plendil may cause mild swelling of the gums though uncommon. You should massage your gums and brush and floss your teeth (better dental hygiene for reducing dental side effects) regularly to minimize this problem. Visit your dentist at regular interval if you are taking Plendil.
- If you experience any other side effects with Plendil, you should consult your doctor immediately.