Felodipine

Felodipine is a Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker (DHP CCB).

It primarily causes arterial vasodilation and reduces systemic vascular resistance.

Used in:

• Hypertension
• Stable Angina

→ Calcium Channel Blockers

Felodipine blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle.

This results in:

• ↓ Intracellular calcium
• Arterial vasodilation
• ↓ Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
• ↓ Afterload

Minimal direct effect on:

• SA node
• AV node
• Myocardial contractility

Primary action = vascular.

Formulation:

• Extended-release (standard)

Half-life:

• Intermediate (longer than nifedipine IR)
• Once-daily dosing

Less reflex tachycardia than short-acting Nifedipine.

Hypertension:

• Alternative to Amlodipine
• Often combined with:
  • ACE Inhibitors
  • ARBs
  • Thiazide Diuretics

Stable Angina:

• Reduces afterload
• Improves myocardial oxygen balance

Common:

• Peripheral edema
• Headache
• Flushing
• Dizziness

Mechanism of edema:

• Arteriolar dilation without venous dilation
• Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure

Less AV nodal suppression than:

• Verapamil
• Diltiazem

Amlodipine:

• Longer half-life
• Very smooth BP control

Nifedipine:

• Faster onset
• Short-acting form associated with reflex tachycardia

Felodipine:

• Extended-release
• Reliable antihypertensive option
• Pure vasodilator profile

• DHP CCB
• Arterial vasodilator
• Once-daily dosing
• Causes peripheral edema
• No AV nodal slowing
• Good alternative to amlodipine

• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Dihydropyridines
• Amlodipine
• Nifedipine
• Hypertension
• Anti-Anginal Therapy