Compare Plendil vs. Cardene
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Felodipine ER (Plendil) and nicardipine (Cardene) are both calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some differences. Felodipine ER is taken once daily by mouth and is primarily used for high blood pressure. It is available only in tablet form and has a generic version. Nicardipine, on the other hand, can be taken by mouth in capsule form three times daily or administered as an intravenous (IV) drip by a healthcare professional. Besides high blood pressure, nicardipine is also used to treat chest pain (stable angina). Nicardipine can affect your heart rate, potentially causing it to rise, while felodipine ER can also sometimes have this effect. Both medications can cause swelling, headache, and dizziness, and can also cause less-common side effects like chest pain and a racing heart. Felodipine ER is not recommended for people with heart failure, whereas nicardipine should be used cautiously in people with heart problems and those taking beta blockers.
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Nicardipine (Cardene)
Summary of Plendil vs. Cardene
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Prescription onlyFelodipine ER (Plendil) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is one of the first-choice options for treating high blood pressure in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include swelling, headache, and flushing. Brand name Plendil has been discontinued.
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Prescription onlyNicardipine (Cardene) capsules are used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure, but it can also affect your heart rate. The capsules used to be available as a brand name, but come as generics. Nicardipine (Cardene) is also available as an intravenous (IV) drip (continuous infusion) that's administered by a healthcare provider to treat high blood pressure for people who can't take medications by mouth. Common side effects of this medication include swelling of the feet, flushing, headache, and dizziness.
Indications of Plendil vs. Cardene
Indications for•High blood pressure (hypertension)Indications for•Chest pain caused by low blood flow to the heart (stable angina) - oral capsules only•High blood pressure (hypertension)Pros and Cons of Plendil vs. Cardene
Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Pros•Taken by mouth•Taken once daily•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Only available as a tablet•Not a good choice if you've heart failure•Not recommended in pregnancyPros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Pros•Available in both oral capsules and IV forms•Can be taken with other medications for chest pain (nitroglycerin SL (Nitrostat), nitrates, or beta blockers)Cons•Capsules need to be taken 3 times a day•Often causes swelling in the feet•Can pass into breastmilk, might not be recommended for people who are breastfeedingCommon Side Effects of Plendil vs. Cardene
Common Side Effects for•Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)•Headache (up to 15%)•Flushing (up to 7%)Common Side Effects for•Flushing (6-10%)•Swelling of the feet (7-8%)•Headache (6-8%)•Dizziness (4-7%)•Weakness (4-6%)•Chest pain (6%)•Racing heart (3-4%)•Fast heart rate (1-3%)•Nausea (2%)•Indigestion (1-2%)Warnings of Plendil vs. Cardene
Common Side Effects for•Severely low blood pressure•Caution with heart failure•SwellingCommon Side Effects for•Worsening of heart problems•Symptoms of low blood pressure•Use in people with liver and kidney problemsPrices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Cardene
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