Symptoms
Overdosage may cause excessive peripheral vasodilatation with marked hypotension and sometimes bradycardia.
Management
If justified: activated charcoal, gastric lavage if performed within one hour after ingestion.
If severe hypotension occurs, symptomatic treatment should be instituted.
The patient should be placed supine with the legs elevated. In case of accompanying bradycardia, atropine 0.5-1 mg should be administered intravenously. If this is not sufficient, plasma volume should be increased by infusion of e.g. glucose, saline, or dextran. Sympathomimetic medicinal products with predominant effect on the α1-adrenoceptor may be given if the above-mentioned measures are insufficient.
Symptoms
Overdose may cause excessive peripheral vasodilatation with marked hypotension and sometimes bradycardia.
Management
If justified: activated charcoal, gastric lavage if performed within one hour after ingestion.
If severe hypotension occurs, symptomatic treatment should be instituted. The patient should be placed supine with the legs elevated. In case of accompanying bradycardia, atropine 0.5-1 mg should be administered intravenously. If this is not sufficient, plasma volume should be increased by infusion of e.g., glucose, saline, or dextran. Sympathomimetic medicinal products with predominant effect on the α1-adrenoceptor may be given if the above-mentioned measures are insufficient.
- Pregnancy
-
- Decompensated heart failure
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina pectoris
- Haemodynamically significant cardiac valvular obstruction
- Dynamic cardiac outflow obstruction
- Decompensated heart failure
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Unstable angina pectoris
- Haemodynamically significant cardiac valvular obstruction
- Dynamic cardiac outflow obstruction
Not applicable.
Summary of the safety profile
Felodipine can cause flushing, headache, palpitations, dizziness and fatigue. Most of these adverse reactions are dose-dependent and appear at the start of treatment or after a dose increase. Should such adverse reactions occur, they are usually transient and diminish with time.
Dose-dependent ankle swelling can occur in patients treated with felodipine. This results from precapillary vasodilatation and is not related to any generalised fluid retention.
Mild gingival enlargement has been reported in patients with pronounced gingivitis/periodontitis. The enlargement can be avoided or reversed by careful oral hygiene.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions listed below have been identified from clinical trials and from post marketing surveillance.
The following definitions of frequencies are used:
Very common >1/10
Common >1/100 to <1/10
Uncommon >1/1,000 to <1/100
Rare >1/10,000 to <1/1,000
Very rare <1/10,000
Table 1: Undesirable effects
| System organ class | Frequency | Adverse reaction |
| Nervous system disorders | Common Uncommon | Headache Dizziness, paraesthesia |
| Cardiac disorders | Uncommon | Tachycardia, palpitations |
| Vascular disorders | Common Uncommon Rare | Flush Hypotension Syncope |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Uncommon Rare Very rare | Nausea, abdominal pain Vomiting Gingival hyperplasia, gingivitis |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | Very rare | Increased liver enzymes |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Uncommon Rare Very rare | Rash, pruritus Urticaria Photosensitivity reactions, leukocytoclastic vasculitis |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Rare | Arthralgia, myalgia |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Very rare | Pollakisuria |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Rare | Impotence/sexual dysfunction |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Very common Uncommon Very rare | Peripheral oedema Fatigue Hypersensitivity reactions, e.g. angio-oedema, fever |
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme.
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Summary of the safety profile
Felohexal can cause flushing, headache, palpitations, dizziness and fatigue. Most of these adverse reactions are dose-dependent and appear at the start of treatment or after a dose increase. Should such adverse reactions occur, they are usually transient and diminish with time.
Dose-dependent ankle swelling can occur in patients treated with Felohexal. This results from precapillary vasodilatation and is not related to any generalised fluid retention.
Mild gingival enlargement has been reported in patients with pronounced gingivitis/periodontitis. The enlargement can be avoided or reversed by careful oral hygiene.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions listed below have been identified from clinical trials and from post marketing surveillance.
The following definitions of frequencies are used:
Very common > 1/10
Common > 1/100 to < 1/10
Uncommon > 1/1,000 to < 1/100
Rare > 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000
Very rare < 1/10,000
Table 1 Undesirable effects
| System organ class | Frequency | Adverse reaction |
| Nervous system disorders | Common Uncommon | Headache Dizziness, paraesthesia |
| Cardiac disorders | Uncommon | Tachycardia, palpitations |
| Vascular disorders | Common Uncommon Rare | Flush Hypotension Syncope |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Uncommon Rare Very rare | Nausea, abdominal pain Vomiting Gingival hyperplasia, gingivitis |
| Hepatobiliary disorders | Very rare | Increased liver enzymes |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Uncommon Rare Very rare | Rash, pruritus Urticaria Photosensitivity reactions Leucocytoclastic vasculitis |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Rare | Arthralgia, myalgia |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Very rare | Pollakisuria |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Rare | Impotence/sexual dysfunction |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Very common Uncommon Very rare | Peripheral oedema Fatigue Hypersensitivity reactions, e.g. angiooedema, fever |
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme; website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
Reproduction toxicity
In a study on fertility and general reproductive performance in rats treated with Felohexal, a prolongation of parturition resulting in difficult labour/increased foetal deaths and early postnatal deaths was observed in the medium and high dose groups. These effects were attributed to the inhibitory effect of Felohexal in high doses on uterine contractility. No disturbances of fertility were observed when doses within the therapeutic range were given to rats.
Reproduction studies in rabbits have shown a dose-related reversible enlargement of the mammary glands of the parent animals and dose-related digital anomalies in the foetuse. The anomalies in the foetuses were induced when Felohexal was administered during early foetal development (before day 15 of pregnancy). In a reproduction study in monkeys, an abnormal position of the distal phalange(s) was noticed.
There were no other pre clinical findings considered to be of concern and the reproductive findings are considered to be related to the pharmacological action of Felohexal, when given to normotensive animals. The relevance of these findings for patients receiving felopidine is unknown. However, there have been no reported clinical incidences of phalangeal changes in foetus/neonate exposed to Felohexal in-utero, from the information maintained within the internal patient safety databases.
Hypertension
Stable angina pectoris
- Essential hypertension
- Stable angina pectoris
Pharmacotherapeutic group: calcium channel blockers, dihydropyridine derivatives;
ATC code: C08CA02
Mechanism of action
Felodipine is a vascular selective calcium antagonist, which lowers arterial blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance. Due to the high degree of selectivity for smooth muscle in the arterioles, felodipine in therapeutic doses has no direct effect on cardiac contractility or conduction. Because there is no effect on venous smooth muscle or adrenergic vasomotor control, felodipine is not associated with orthostatic hypotension.
Felodipine possesses a mild natriuretic/diuretic effect and fluid retention does not occur.
Pharmacodynamic effects
Felodipine is effective in all grades of hypertension. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive medicinal products, e.g. ß-adrenoceptor blockers, diuretics or ACE-inhibitors, in order to achieve an increased antihypertensive effect. Felodipine reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and can be used in isolated systolic hypertension.
Felodipine has anti-anginal and anti-ischaemic effects due to improved myocardial oxygen supply/demand balance. Coronary vascular resistance is decreased and coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen supply are increased by felodipine due to dilatation of both epicardial arteries and arterioles. The reduction in systemic blood pressure caused by felodipine leads to decreased left ventricular afterload and myocardial oxygen demand.
Felodipine improves exercise tolerance and reduces anginal attacks in patients with stable effort-induced angina pectoris. Felodipine can be used as monotherapy or in combination with β-adrenoceptor blockers in patients with stable angina pectoris.
Haemodynamic effects
The primary haemodynamic effect of felodipine is a reduction of total peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. These effects are dose-dependent. Generally, a reduction in blood pressure is evident two hours after the first oral dose and lasts for at least 24 hours and the trough/peak ratio is usually well above 50%.
Plasma concentrations of felodipine are positively correlated to the decrease in total peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
Cardiac effects
Felodipine in therapeutic doses has no effect on cardiac contractility or atrioventricular conduction or refractoriness.
Antihypertensive treatment with felodipine is associated with significant regression of pre-existing left ventricular hypertrophy.
Renal effects
Felodipine has a natriuretic and diuretic effect due to reduced tubular reabsorption of filtered sodium. Felodipine does not affect daily potassium excretion. The renal vascular resistance is decreased by felodipine. Felodipine does not influence urinary albumin excretion.
In cyclosporin-treated renal transplant recipients, felodipine reduces blood pressure and improves both the renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate. Felodipine may also improve early renal graft function.
Clinical efficacy
In the HOT (Hypertension Optimal Treatment) study, the effect on major cardiovascular events (i.e. acute myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death) was studied in relation to diastolic blood pressure targets <90 mmHg, <85 mmHg and <80 mmHg and achieved blood pressure, with felodipine as baseline therapy.
A total of 18,790 hypertensive patients (DBP 100-115 mmHg), aged 50-80 years were followed for a mean period of 3.8 years (range 3.3-4.9). Felodipine was given as monotherapy or in combination with a betablocker, and/or an ACE-inhibitor and/or a diuretic. The study showed benefits of lowering SBP and DBP down to 139 and 83 mmHg, respectively.
According to the STOP-2 (Swedish Trial in Old Patients with Hypertension-2 study), performed in 6614 patients, aged 70-84 years, dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (felodipine and isradipine) have shown the same preventive effect on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity as other commonly used classes of antihypertensive medicinal products - ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics.
Paediatric population
There is limited clinical trial experience of the use of felodipine in hypertensive paediatric patients. In a randomised, double-blind, 3-week, parallel group study in children aged 6-16 years with primary hypertension, the antihypertensive effects of once daily felodipine 2.5 mg (n=33), 5 mg (n=33) and 10 mg (n=31) were compared with placebo (n=35). The study failed to demonstrate the efficacy of felodipine in lowering blood pressure in children aged 6-16 years.
The long-term effects of felodipine on growth, puberty and general development have not been studied. The long-term efficacy of antihypertensive therapy as therapy in childhood to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood has also not been established.
Pharmacotheraputic group: calcium channel blockers, didydropyridine derivatives;
ATC code: C08C A02
Mechanism of action
Felohexal is a vascular selective calcium antagonist, which lowers arterial blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance. Due to the high degree of selectivity for smooth muscle in the arterioles, Felohexal in therapeutic doses has no direct effect on cardiac contractility or conduction. Because there is no effect on venous smooth muscle or adrenergic vasomotor control, Felohexal is not associated with orthostatic hypotension.
Felohexal possesses a mild natriuretic/diuretic effect and fluid retention does not occur.
Pharmacodynamic effects
Felohexal is effective in all grades of hypertension. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive medicinal products, e.g., ß-adrenoceptor blockers, diuretics or ACE-inhibitors, in order to achieve an increased antihypertensive effect. Felohexal reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and can be used in isolated systolic hypertension.
Felohexal has anti-anginal and anti-ischaemic effects due to improved myocardial oxygen supply/demand balance. Coronary vascular resistance is decreased and coronary blood flow and myocardial oxygen supply are increased by Felohexal due to dilatation of both epicardial arteries and arterioles. The reduction in systemic blood pressure caused by Felohexal leads to decreased left ventricular afterload and myocardial oxygen demand.
Felohexal improves exercise tolerance and reduces anginal attacks in patients with stable effort-induced angina pectoris. Felohexal can be used as monotherapy or in combination with ß-adrenoceptor blockers in patients with stable angina pectoris.
Haemodynamic effects
The primary haemodynamic effect of Felohexal is a reduction of total peripheral vascular resistance, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. These effects are dose-dependent. Generally, a reduction in blood pressure is evident two hours after the first oral dose and lasts for at least 24 hours and the trough/peak ratio is usually well above 50 %.
Plasma concentrations of Felohexal are positively correlated to the decrease in total peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
Cardiac effects
Felohexal in therapeutic doses has no effect on cardiac contractility or atrioventricular conduction or refractoriness.
Antihypertensive treatment with Felohexal is associated with significant regression of pre-existing left ventricular hypertrophy.
Renal effects
Felohexal has a natriuretic and diuretic effect due to reduced tubular reabsorption of filtered sodium. Felohexal does not affect daily potassium excretion. The renal vascular resistance is decreased by Felohexal. Felohexal does not influence urinary albumin excretion.
In cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients, Felohexal reduces blood pressure and improves both the renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate. Felohexal may also improve early renal graft function.
Clinical efficacy and safety
In the HOT (Hypertension Optimal Treatment) study, the effect on major cardiovascular events (ie, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death) was studied in relation to diastolic blood pressure targets < 90 mmHg, < 85 mmHg and < 80 mmHg and achieved blood pressure, with Felohexal as baseline therapy.
A total of 18,790 hypertensive patients (DBP 100-115 mmHg), aged 50-80 years were followed for a mean period of 3.8 years (range 3.3-4.9). Felohexal was given as monotherapy or in combination with a betablocker, and/or an ACE-inhibitor and/or a diuretic. The study showed benefits of lowering SBP and DBP down to 139 and 83 mmHg, respectively.
According to the STOP-2 (Swedish Trial in Old Patients with Hypertension-2 study), performed in 6614 patients, aged 70-84 years, dihydropyridine calcium antagonists (Felohexal and isradipine) have shown the same preventive effect on cardiovascular mortality and morbidity as other commonly used classes of antihypertensive medicinal products - ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics.
Paediatric population
There is limited clinical trial experience of the use of Felohexal in hypertensive paediatric patients. In a randomised, double-blind, 3-week, parallel group study in children aged 6-16 years with primary hypertension, the antihypertensive effects of once daily Felohexal 2.5 mg (n = 33), 5 mg (n = 33) and 10 mg (n = 31) were compared with placebo (n = 35). The study failed to demonstrate the efficacy of Felohexal in lowering blood pressure in children aged 6-16 years
The long-term effects of Felohexal on growth, puberty and general development have not been studied. The long-term efficacy of antihypertensive therapy as therapy in childhood to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood has also not been established.
Absorption
Felodipine is administered as extended-release tablets, from which it is completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic availability of felodipine is approximately 15% and is independent of dose in the therapeutic dose range. The extended-release tablets produce a prolonged absorption phase of felodipine. This results in even felodipine plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range for 24 hours. Maximum blood plasma levels (tmax) are achieved with the prolonged-release form after 3 to 5 hours. The rate but not the extent of absorption of felodipine is increased when taken simultaneously with food with a high fat content.
Distribution
The plasma protein binding of felodipine is approximately 99%. It is bound pre-dominantly to the albumin fraction. Volume of distribution at steady state is 10 L/kg.
Biotransformation
Felodipine is extensively metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and all identified metabolites are inactive. Felodipine is a high clearance medicinal product with an average blood clearance of 1200 ml/min. There is no significant accumulation during long-term treatment.
Elderly patients and patients with reduced liver function have on average higher plasma concentrations of felodipine than younger patients. The pharmacokinetics of felodipine is not changed in patients with renal impairment, including those treated with haemodialysis.
Elimination
The half-life of felodipine in the elimination phase is approximately 25 hours and steady state is reached after 5 days. There is no risk of accumulation during long-term treatment. About 70% of a given dose is excreted as metabolites in the urine; the remaining fraction is excreted in the faeces. Less than 0.5% of a dose is recovered unchanged in urine.
Linearity/non-linearity
Plasma concentrations are directly proportional to dose within the therapeutic dose range 2.5-10 mg.
Paediatric population
In a single dose (felodipine prolonged-release 5 mg) pharmacokinetic study with a limited number of children aged between 6 and 16 years (n=12) there was no apparent relationship between the age and AUC, Cmax or half-life of felodipine.
Absorption
Felohexal is administered as extended-release tablets, from which it is completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The systemic availability of Felohexal is approximately 15 % and is independent of dose in the therapeutic dose range. The extended-release tablets produce a prolonged absorption phase of Felohexal. This results in even Felohexal plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range for 24 hours. Maximum blood plasma levels (tmax) are achieved with the prolonged-release form after 3 to 5 hours. The rate but not the extent of absorption of Felohexal is increased when taken simultaneously with food with a high fat content.
Distribution
The plasma protein binding of Felohexal is approximately 99 %. It is bound pre-dominantly to the albumin fraction. Volume of distribution at steady state is 10 L/kg.
Biotransformation
Felohexal is extensively metabolised in the liver by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and all identified metabolites are inactive. Felohexal is a high clearance medicinal product with an average blood clearance of 1200 ml/min. There is no significant accumulation during long-term treatment.
Elderly patients and patients with reduced liver function have on average higher plasma concentrations of Felohexal than younger patients. The pharmacokinetics of Felohexal is not changed in patients with renal impairment, including those treated with haemodialysis.
Elimination
The half-life of Felohexal in the elimination phase is approximately 25 hours and steady state is reached after 5 days. There is no risk of accumulation during long-term treatment. About 70 % of a given dose is excreted as metabolites in the urine; the remaining fraction is excreted in the faeces. Less than 0.5 % of a dose is recovered unchanged in urine.
Linearity/non-linearity
Plasma concentrations are directly proportional to dose within the therapeutic dose range 2.5-10 mg.
Paediatric population
In a single dose (Felohexal prolonged-release 5 mg) pharmacokinetic study with a limited number of children aged between 6 and 16 years (n = 12) there was no apparent relationship between the age and AUC, Cmax or half-life of Felohexal.
The efficacy and safety of felodipine in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies has not been studied.
Felodipine may cause significant hypotension with subsequent tachycardia. This may lead to myocardial ischaemia in susceptible patients.
Felodipine is cleared by the liver. Consequently higher therapeutic concentrations and response can be expected in patients with clearly reduced liver function.
Concomitant administration of drugs that strongly induce or inhibit CYP3 A4 enzymes result in extensively decreased or increased plasma levels of felodipine, respectively. Therefore, such combinations should be avoided.
Felohexal contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
Felohexal contains castor oil, which may cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Mild gingival enlargement has been reported in patients with pronounced gingivitis/periodontitis. The enlargement can be avoided or reversed by careful oral hygiene.
The efficacy and safety of Felohexal in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies has not been studied.
Felohexal may cause significant hypotension with subsequent tachycardia. This may lead to myocardial ischaemia in susceptible patients.
Felohexal is cleared by the liver. Consequently higher therapeutic concentrations and response can be expected in patients with clearly reduced liver function.
Concomitant administration of drugs that strongly induce or inhibit CYP3 A4 enzymes result in extensively decreased or increased plasma levels of Felohexal, respectively. Therefore such combinations should be avoided.
Vascalpha (Felohexal) prolonged release tablets contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinal product.
Mild gingival enlargement has been reported in patients with pronounced gingivitis/peridontitis. The enlargement can be avoided or reversed by careful oral hygiene.
Felodipine has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. If patients taking felodipine suffer from headache, nausea, dizziness or fatigue and ability to react may be impaired. Caution is recommended especially at the start of treatment.
Vascalpha (Felohexal) prolonged release tablets has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. If patients taking Felohexal suffer from headache, nausea, dizziness or fatigue and ability to react may be impaired. Caution is recommended especially at the start of treatment.
Posology
Hypertension
The dose should be adjusted individually. Treatment can be started with 5 mg once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dosage can, where applicable, be decreased to 2.5 mg or increased to 10 mg daily. If necessary another antihypertensive agent may be added. The standard maintenance dose is 5 mg once daily.
Angina pectoris
The dose should be adjusted individually. Treatment should be initiated with 5 mg once daily and, if needed, increased to 10 mg once daily.
Elderly population
Initial treatment with lowest available dose should be considered.
Renal impairment
Dose adjustment is not needed in patients with impaired renal function.
Hepatic impairment
Patients with impaired hepatic function may have elevated plasma concentrations of felodipine and may respond to lower doses.
Paediatric population
There is limited clinical trial experience of the use of felodipine in hypertensive paediatric patients.
Method of administration
The tablets should be taken in the morning and be swallowed with water. In order to keep the prolonged-release properties, the tablets must not be divided, crushed or chewed. The tablets can be administered without food or following a light meal not rich in fat or carbohydrate.
Posology
Hypertension
The dose should be adjusted individually. Treatment can be started with 5 mg once daily. Depending on the patient's response, the dosage can, where applicable, be decreased to 2.5 mg or increased to 10 mg daily. If necessary another antihypertensive agent may be added. The standard maintenance dose is 5 mg once daily.
Angina Pectoris
The dose should be adjusted individually. Treatment should be initiated with 5 mg once daily and, if needed, increased to 10 mg once daily.
Elderly
Initial treatment with lowest available dose should be considered.
Renal impairment
Dose adjustment is not needed in patients with impaired renal function.
Hepatic impairment
Patients with impaired hepatic function may have elevated plasma concentrations of Felohexal and may respond to lower doses.
Paediatric population
There is limited clinical trial experience of the use of Felohexal in hypertensive paediatric patients.
Method of administration
The tablets should be taken in the morning and be swallowed with water. In order to keep the prolonged-release properties, the tablets must not be divided, crushed or chewed. The tablets can be administered without food or following a light meal not rich in fat or carbohydrate.
Note: Other medicinal products may be available for the starting dose of 2.5 mg Felohexal, as Vascalpha (Felohexal) prolonged release tablets is not available in this strength.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
No special requirements
