Brand Name: Versant

Generic Name: Felodipine

Indication: Hypertension
Drug Classification: antihypertensive (Calcium antagonist)
Mechanism of Action: Unknown. A dihydropyridine- derivative calcium channel
blocker that prevents entry of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and
cardiac cells; shows some selectivity for smooth muscle compared with cardiac
muscle.
Dosage: Adults: initially, 5mg P.O. daily. Usual dose is 2.5 to 10 mg daily; maximum
recommended dosage is 10 mg. Elderly patients: 2.5 mg P.O. daily; adjust
dosage as for adults. Maximum recommended dosage is 10 mg daily.
Special Precaution: May precipitate significant hypotension and syncope, which may
lead to reflex tachycardia and result to angina pectoris.
Pregnancy Risk Category: C
Adverse Rea ction: Peripheraledema and headache
Contraindications: contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to drug.
Form: Tablets (extended release): 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Nursing Responsibility:
 Use cautiously in patients with heart failure, particularly those receiving
beta blockers, and in patients with impaired hepatic function.
 Monitor blood pressure for response
 Monitor patient for peripheral edema, which appears to be both dose – and
age – related. It is more common in patients taking higher doses, especially
those older than age 60.