Felodipine instructions for administration

Instructions for administration
Overview Geriatric use Patients with impaired liver function

Overview
The recommended starting dose is 5 mg once a day. Depending on the patient's response, the dosage can be decreased to 2.5 mg or increased to 10 mg once a day. These adjustments should occur generally at intervals of not less than 2 weeks. The recommended dosage range is 2.5 to 10 mg once daily. In clinical trials, doses above 10 mg daily showed an increased blood pressure response but a large increase in the rate of peripheral edema and other vasodilatory adverse events. Modification of the recommended dosage is usually not required in patients with renal impairment. Felodipine should regularly be taken either without food or with a light meal. Felodipine should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. Return to top

Geriatric use
Patients over 65 years of age are likely to develop higher plasma concentrations of Felodipine. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range (2.5 mg daily). Elderly patients should have their blood pressure closely monitored during any dosage adjustment. Return to top

Patients with impaired liver function
Patients with impaired liver function may have elevated plasma concentrations of Felodipine and may respond to lower doses of Felodipine extended-release tablets; therefore, patients should have their blood pressure monitored closely during dosage adjustment of Felodipine extended-release tablets. Return to top