Key takeaways
Felodipine ER (Plendil) and carvedilol (Coreg) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Felodipine ER is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing your blood vessels, and it's typically taken once daily. Carvedilol, on the other hand, is a beta blocker that not only lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels but also slows down your heart rate. Carvedilol is used for additional conditions like heart failure and reducing the risk of death after a heart attack. It comes in both immediate-release tablets taken twice daily and extended-release capsules taken once daily. Felodipine ER is generally not recommended for people with heart failure, while carvedilol should be avoided if you have asthma or certain heart conditions. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, but they have different side effects and precautions. For example, felodipine ER can cause swelling and headaches, while carvedilol can cause dizziness, tiredness, and may hide symptoms of low blood sugar in people with diabetes.
