Apo-Felodipine: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is APO-FELODIPINE used for?

APO-FELODIPINE is used in adults to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

It can be used together with other medicines that treat hypertension such as thiazide diuretics or beta-blockers.

How does APO-FELODIPINE work?

APO-FELODIPINE belongs to the group of medicines called "calcium channel blockers. It helps to relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

What are the ingredients in APO-FELODIPINE?

Medicinal ingredient: Felodipine

Non-medicinal ingredients: anhydrous lactose, colloidal silicon dioxide, ferric oxide red (5 mg and 10 mg tablets), ferric oxide yellow (2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets), hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

APO-FELODIPINE comes in the following dosage forms:

Extended release tablets 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg felodipine.

Do not use APO-FELODIPINE if:

• you are allergic to felodipine or any of the other ingredients in APO-FELODIPINE.
• you allergic to other dihydropyridines ((medicines used to treat hypertension and angina).

• you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are able to become pregnant. You should tell your healthcare professional as soon as possible if you become pregnant while using APO-FELODIPINE.

• you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
• you are age 18 or younger.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take APO-FELODIPINE. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• have heart or blood vessel problems.
• have liver problems.
• have gum problems (e.g., gingivitis or periodontitis).
• have problems digesting certain milk sugars (e.g., galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption). APO-FELODIPINE capsules contain lactose, a milk sugar. If you are unsure ask your healthcare professional.

Other warnings you should know about:

• Driving and using machines: APO-FELODIPINE can lower your blood pressure and affect your vision. Before you drive or do tasks that require special attention, wait until you know how you respond to APO-FELODIPINE.

• Hypotension (low blood pressure): APO-FELODIPINE may occasionally cause low blood pressure. Your healthcare professional will monitor your blood pressure, especially when you first start taking APO-FELODIPINE or if you are older than 65 years of age.
• Oral hygiene: APO-FELODIPINE can cause mild tenderness or swelling of the gums. This effect can be prevented or reversed with good dental care. Brush your teeth carefully and often with a soft toothbrush, and use dental floss daily. Massaging your gums regularly with a soft toothbrush will also help. If your gums do become tender, red or swollen, tell your healthcare professional.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may also interact with APO-FELODIPINE:

• alcohol, including alcohol containing products.
• antiarrhythmics, medicines used to treat or prevent irregular heartbeats (e.g., quinidine, flecainide and propafenone).
• other antibacterials, medicines used to treat bacterial infections (e.g., erythromycin and rifampin).
• medicines used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ, including the kidney or liver (e.g., cyclosporine and tacrolimus).
• warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clotting.
• beta-blockers, medicines used to treat high blood pressure (e.g., metoprolol).
• digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure and certain heartbeats problems.
• benzodiazepines, medicines used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
• theophylline, a medicine used to relieve symptoms of asthma.
• cimetidine, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers and reduce stomach acid.
• anticonvulsants, medicines used to prevent epilepsy or seizures (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital).
• antidepressants, medicines used to treat depression (e.g., imipramine).
• terfenadine, a medicine used to treat allergies.
• St. John’s Wort, a herbal medicine used to treat depression.
• grapefruit juice.

How to take APO-FELODIPINE:

• Take exactly as directed by your healthcare professional. If you are unsure, ask your healthcare professional.
• Swallow the APO-FELODIPINE tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew on the tablets.

• Avoid taking APO-FELODIPINE with a meal rich in fat or carbohydrates. Breakfast foods which are rich in fat and/or carbohydrates include bacon, sausage, hash brown potatoes, and sugared cereals. APO-FELODIPINE may be taken with a light meal which is low in fat and carbohydrates (i.e., two slices of toast with cheese, cereal with milk, and orange juice).

• To help remember each dose, try to take APO-FELODIPINE with something you do regularly each day. For example, upon waking or at breakfast.
• Check with your healthcare professional if you want to drink alcohol (including wine with your meals) while you are taking APO-FELODIPINE. Drinking alcohol while on APO-FELODIPINE may make you feel dizzier than usual. Alcohol may also cause an uncomfortable drop in blood pressure.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on APO-FELODIPINE.
• It is important to take APO-FELODIPINE even when you feel well. A constant amount of drug is needed in your body to control your blood pressure.

Usual dose:

Your healthcare professional will decide the right dose of APO-FELODIPINE for you. This will be depend on your health, age, and how you respond to APO-FELODIPINE.

The usual dose is 2.5 mg to 10 mg once a day. Even if your healthcare professional has prescribed 2 tablets a day, both should be taken at the same time, unless otherwise indicated. Do not adjust or stop your dose without first consulting your healthcare professional.

Overdose:

An overdose with APO-FELODIPINE may cause the following:

• feeling faint,
• feeling light-headed,
• feeling dizzy,
• very low blood pressure,
• slow heart rate.

Missed Dose:

• If you miss a dose of APO-FELODIPINE and remember within 12 hours, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular schedule.
• If you miss a dose of APO-FELODIPINE and it has been more than 12 hours when you remember, do not take the missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular scheduled time.

Never take a double dose of APO-FELODIPINE to make up for missed tablets. If you are still unsure, check with your healthcare professional to see what you should do.

What are possible side effects from using APO-FELODIPINE?

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking APO-FELODIPINE. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

The side effects of APO-FELODIPINE may include:

• cold or flu-like symptoms;
• constipation;
• cough;
• dizziness;
• feeling of pins and needles;
• feeling tired;
• flushing or warm sensation;
• headache;
• joint stiffness;
• muscle cramps or pain;
• upset stomach, nausea, or indigestion.

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

Store APO-FELODIPINE at room temperature 15°C-30°C in a tightly closed container. Protect from light and moisture.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Do not keep or use APO-FELODIPINE after the expiry date. Unused medicines which you know you will no longer need should be carefully discarded. You may wish to seek advice from your pharmacist.

If you want more information about APO-FELODIPINE:

• Talk to your healthcare professional
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website http://www.apotex.ca/products; or by calling 1-800-667-4708.

Last revised: 2026-08-14