Plendil

What is Plendil

Plendil is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Plendil relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for the heart to pump and reduces its workload.

Plendil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Plendil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Plendil

Do not stop taking Plendil without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums may be a side effect from treatment with Plendil. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.

Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Plendil. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What you should find out before taking Plendil

Before taking Plendil, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease; or
- another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease.

You may not be able to take Plendil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Plendil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Plendil will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Plendil passes into breast milk. Do not take Plendil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Plendil. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should take Plendil

Take Plendil exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take each dose consistently either without food or with a light meal.

Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.

Do not stop taking Plendil without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist. Rarely, swelling of the gums may be a side effect from treatment with Plendil. Proper oral hygiene may alleviate these symptoms.

Store Plendil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Plendil overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.

Avoid while taking Plendil

Follow any recommendations your doctor makes about diet or exercise.

Use caution when you stand or sit up from a lying position, especially if you wake up during the night. You may become dizzy when changing positions.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking Plendil.

Possible side effects of Plendil

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Plendil and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- unusually fast or slow heartbeat;
- chest pain;
- severe dizziness or fainting;
- abnormal behavior or psychosis;
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or
- swelling of the legs, ankles, or face.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Plendil and talk to your doctor if you experience
- fatigue or tiredness;
- headache;
- insomnia or difficulty sleeping;
- swelling of your gums;
- nausea or diarrhea;
- increased or difficult urination;
- muscle or joint discomfort; or
- flushing (redness).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Plendil

Before taking Plendil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
- another heart medication to treat the same or another condition;
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Eryc, Ery-Tab, others);
- itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol);
- phenytoin (Dilantin); or
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin).

You may not be able to take Plendil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Plendil or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.