FELODIPINE- felodipine tablet, film coated, extended release
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Rx only
DESCRIPTION
Felodipine is a calcium antagonist (calcium channel blocker). Felodipine is a dihydropyridine derivative that is chemically described as � ethyl methyl 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate. Its molecular formula is C 18 H 19 Cl 2 NO 4
Felodipine is a light yellow to yellow crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 384.26. It is insoluble in water and is freely soluble in dichloromethane and ethanol. Felodipine is a racemic mixture.
Felodipine extended-release tablets provide extended release of felodipine. They are available as tablets containing 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg of felodipine, USP for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient felodipine, the tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: felodipine extended-release tablets 2.5 mg � carnauba wax, D&C Yellow #10 Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide. Felodipine extended-release tablets 5 mg � carnauba wax, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, povidone, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide. Felodipine extended-release tablets 10 mg � carnauba wax, D&C Yellow #10 Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide.
The USP drug release test # is pending.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Felodipine is a member of the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel antagonists (calcium channel blockers). It reversibly competes with nitrendipine and/or other calcium channel blockers for dihydropyridine binding site.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Felodipine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure lowers the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including felodipine.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
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�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 (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Modification of the recommended dosage is usually not required in patients with renal impairment.