If you're taking Plendil for high blood pressure, you're not alone. But maybe you're wondering if there's a better option - one with fewer side effects, lower cost, or simpler dosing. You’re not just shopping around. You’re trying to find a pill that fits your life, not the other way around.
What Plendil (Felodipine) Actually Does
Plendil is the brand name for felodipine, a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels, which lets blood flow more easily. That lowers your blood pressure. It’s usually taken once a day, and its effects last about 24 hours.
It’s not a cure. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it works best for some people and not others. Side effects can include swollen ankles, headaches, flushing, or dizziness - especially when you first start taking it. Most people get used to these within a few weeks, but if they stick around or get worse, it’s time to talk about alternatives.
Why People Look for Alternatives to Plendil
People switch from Plendil for a few common reasons:
- Swelling in the ankles gets annoying or painful
- They’re paying too much for the brand-name version
- They’re taking other meds that interact with felodipine
- They need a once-daily pill that doesn’t require food restrictions
- Their doctor wants to try something with more heart protection
Let’s look at the most common alternatives - and what they really offer.
Amlodipine: The Most Common Replacement
If your doctor suggests switching from Plendil, chances are they’re thinking of amlodipine. It’s also a calcium channel blocker - but it’s cheaper, widely available as a generic, and has been studied in over 100,000 patients.
Studies show amlodipine lowers blood pressure just as well as felodipine. But here’s the difference: amlodipine is less likely to cause swelling in the ankles. It also doesn’t need to be taken with food, unlike Plendil, which works better when taken after a light meal.
Most people take amlodipine once a day. It’s often the first choice for new prescriptions in New Zealand and Australia because of its reliability and low cost - sometimes under $5 for a 30-day supply.
Other Calcium Channel Blockers: Nifedipine and Diltiazem
Nifedipine (Adalat) is another option, but it’s usually not preferred anymore. The immediate-release form causes sharp drops in blood pressure and can trigger headaches or palpitations. Extended-release versions exist, but they’re less predictable than amlodipine or felodipine.
Diltiazem (Cardizem) is different. It’s not just a blood pressure pill - it also slows your heart rate. That makes it useful if you have high blood pressure and a fast heartbeat, or if you’ve had a heart attack. But if you have heart failure or a slow pulse, diltiazem can make things worse.
Both nifedipine and diltiazem are less commonly used than amlodipine. They’re not better - just different tools for specific cases.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: The Heart-Protective Options
If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of heart failure, your doctor might skip calcium channel blockers entirely and go straight to an ACE inhibitor or ARB.
Examples:
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Lisinopril (Zestril)
- Losartan (Cozaar)
- Valsartan (Diovan)
These drugs don’t just lower blood pressure - they protect your kidneys and heart. For people with protein in their urine or early kidney damage, an ARB like losartan can slow decline better than any calcium channel blocker.
Downside? They can cause a dry cough (ACE inhibitors) or, rarely, swelling of the face or throat. And they’re not safe during pregnancy.
If you’re taking Plendil and you have diabetes or kidney issues, your doctor may already be considering a switch - even if you feel fine.
Thiazide Diuretics: The Simple Starter
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is one of the oldest blood pressure pills. It’s a diuretic - it makes you pee more, which lowers fluid in your blood vessels.
It’s often paired with other drugs, but it’s also effective on its own. In fact, the American Heart Association lists thiazide diuretics as one of the top first-line choices for high blood pressure.
It’s cheap. It’s proven. And for many people, it’s enough.
But it can lower potassium and raise blood sugar. If you’re already at risk for gout or diabetes, your doctor might avoid it.
Comparing the Options Side-by-Side
| Medication | Class | Dosing | Cost (NZ, 30-day generic) | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felodipine (Plendil) | Calcium Channel Blocker | Once daily, with food | $35-$50 | Younger patients, no kidney disease | Ankle swelling, flushing |
| Amlodipine | Calcium Channel Blocker | Once daily, any time | $5-$15 | Most adults, budget-conscious | Mild swelling, dizziness |
| Lisinopril | ACE Inhibitor | Once daily | $10-$20 | Diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure | Dry cough, high potassium |
| Losartan | ARB | Once daily | $15-$25 | People who can’t take ACE inhibitors | Dizziness, low blood pressure |
| Hydrochlorothiazide | Thiazide Diuretic | Once daily | $8-$15 | Older adults, mild hypertension | Low potassium, high blood sugar |
When to Stick With Plendil
Plendil isn’t outdated. If you’re doing well on it - your blood pressure is steady, you have no swelling, no headaches, and you’re not spending a fortune - there’s no reason to switch.
Some people respond better to felodipine than amlodipine. It’s not common, but it happens. If you’ve tried two or three other drugs and they didn’t work, Plendil might be your best fit.
Also, if you’re taking it with another medication like a beta-blocker or an ARB, your combo might be working better than any single drug could.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Before you ask for a switch, prepare these questions:
- Is my blood pressure really not controlled, or am I just not happy with side effects?
- Do I have any other health conditions that make one drug better than another?
- Is there a generic version that’s cheaper and just as effective?
- Will switching mean I need more blood tests or monitoring?
- What happens if I go back to Plendil after trying something else?
Don’t be afraid to say: "I’m fine with the results, but the side effects are ruining my mornings." That’s valid. Your doctor’s job is to help you live well - not just survive with a number on a chart.
Real-Life Example: Maria’s Story
Maria, 58, from Tauranga, was on Plendil for three years. Her BP was under control, but her ankles swelled badly. She couldn’t wear her favorite sandals. She switched to amlodipine. The swelling went down in two weeks. Her script cost $12 instead of $45. She didn’t notice any difference in how she felt - just that she could walk without pain.
She didn’t need a miracle. She just needed a better fit.
Final Thought: There’s No "Best" Pill - Just the Right One for You
Plendil works. But so do amlodipine, losartan, lisinopril, and hydrochlorothiazide. The "best" choice isn’t the one with the fanciest name or the highest price. It’s the one that keeps your blood pressure down, fits your body, and lets you live your life without constant side effects.
Don’t just take what’s handed to you. Ask. Compare. Try. And if your current pill isn’t working for your life - it’s okay to look for something else.
Is Plendil the same as amlodipine?
No, they’re different drugs, but they work the same way. Both are calcium channel blockers that relax blood vessels. Plendil is the brand name for felodipine; amlodipine is a different chemical with a longer track record and lower cost. Amlodipine is less likely to cause ankle swelling and doesn’t need to be taken with food.
Can I switch from Plendil to amlodipine on my own?
No. Never switch blood pressure medications without your doctor’s guidance. Even though both are calcium channel blockers, your body may react differently to the change. Stopping or switching abruptly can cause your blood pressure to spike. Your doctor will help you transition safely, often by overlapping doses or adjusting slowly.
Is Plendil still used in New Zealand?
Yes, but it’s not the first choice anymore. Most GPs here start with amlodipine or lisinopril because they’re cheaper, better studied, and have fewer side effects. Plendil is still prescribed when a patient responds well to it or has specific reasons to avoid other options - like an intolerance to ACE inhibitors.
What’s the cheapest alternative to Plendil?
Amlodipine is the cheapest and most widely used alternative. Generic amlodipine costs between $5 and $15 for a 30-day supply in New Zealand. Hydrochlorothiazide is even cheaper at $8-$15, but it’s not always as effective on its own. For most people, amlodipine offers the best balance of price, effectiveness, and tolerability.
Does Plendil cause weight gain?
Plendil doesn’t directly cause weight gain, but the ankle swelling it can cause might make you feel heavier or bloated. That’s fluid retention, not fat. If you notice sudden weight gain (more than 2 kg in a week), swelling in your legs, or trouble breathing, contact your doctor - it could be a sign of heart problems, not just a side effect of the medicine.
Can I take grapefruit juice with Plendil?
No. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of felodipine in your blood, which can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This interaction is strong and can be dangerous. Avoid grapefruit, pomelo, and Seville oranges entirely while taking Plendil. Even a single glass can affect you for days.
Next Steps: What to Do Today
- Check your current prescription. Is it brand-name Plendil? Ask if a generic version is available.
- Write down any side effects you’ve noticed - even small ones like flushing or tiredness.
- Book a chat with your pharmacist or GP. Bring your list. Ask: "Is there a better option for me?"
- If cost is an issue, ask about the Pharmaceutical Schedule (Pharmac) subsidies - many alternatives are heavily subsidized in New Zealand.
- Don’t stop or switch without professional advice. Your blood pressure is too important to guess.
Herbert Lui
October 30, 2025 AT 13:25There’s something poetic about how medicine boils down to fit-not perfection. Plendil’s not broken, it’s just not everyone’s shoe. I’ve seen people thrive on amlodipine, others swear by losartan like it’s holy water. But the real win? When someone finally stops taking a pill that makes them feel like a zombie and finds one that lets them sleep, walk, and eat grapefruit-free without crying in the pharmacy aisle. That’s healthcare, not pharmacology.
Kika Armata
October 31, 2025 AT 22:12Let’s be honest-most people don’t even know what a calcium channel blocker is, yet they’re lecturing their GP about switching meds like they read a PubMed abstract over brunch. Felodipine has a half-life and pharmacokinetic profile that’s actually quite elegant for circadian BP control. Amlodipine? Sure, it’s cheap and ubiquitous, but it’s the pharmaceutical equivalent of a Walmart t-shirt-functional, mass-produced, and utterly devoid of nuance. If you’re not monitoring trough levels or considering CYP3A4 interactions, you’re not treating-you’re just prescribing by algorithm.
Gordon Oluoch
November 1, 2025 AT 15:56Of course you’re paying $45 for Plendil. You didn’t ask if your insurance covers generics. You didn’t check Pharmac’s formulary. You just swallowed the brand-name lie like it was gospel. And now you’re mad because your ankles swell? That’s not the drug’s fault-it’s yours. You didn’t do the work. You didn’t read the damn pamphlet. You didn’t even Google grapefruit juice interactions. This isn’t a medical failure. It’s a personal one. Stop blaming the pill. Start blaming yourself.
Kat Sal
November 2, 2025 AT 12:23I switched from Plendil to amlodipine last year and honestly? Life changed. No more swollen feet, no more $50 scripts, and I didn’t even need to change my routine. I just took the new pill instead. My doctor said it was like swapping a clunky old bike for an e-bike-same destination, way less effort. If you’re struggling, don’t suffer in silence. Ask. Try. You deserve to feel normal again.
Sara Mörtsell
November 3, 2025 AT 05:38Why does everyone keep acting like amlodipine is some miracle drug? It’s not. It’s just the most profitable one. The swelling? It’s not gone-it’s just less obvious because it’s slower. And don’t get me started on ARBs-they’re just ACE inhibitors with a marketing team. The real question isn’t which pill works-it’s why we’re all so obsessed with finding the perfect one instead of fixing the root cause. Diet. Sleep. Stress. But no. Let’s just pop a pill and call it a day. Because capitalism.
Rhonda Gentz
November 4, 2025 AT 09:03I’ve been on Plendil for five years. Swelling? Minimal. BP? Perfect. Cost? High, but my insurance covers most of it. I tried amlodipine once. Felt weird. Like my body didn’t recognize the molecule. I went back. And I’m fine. Not because I’m stubborn. Because my body told me. Medicine isn’t a one-size-fits-all spreadsheet. It’s a conversation between your cells and a compound. If it’s working, don’t fix it. Just because it’s not the cheapest doesn’t mean it’s not the right one.
Olan Kinsella
November 4, 2025 AT 18:29You know what’s worse than Plendil? The silence. The way we’re taught to just take it and shut up. My cousin took Plendil for six months and never told anyone about the dizziness until she passed out at work. No one asks. No one listens. We just hand out scripts like candy and pretend we’re helping. But we’re not. We’re just keeping the machine running. Ask your doctor: what if I’m not the problem? What if the system is?
Chris Dockter
November 6, 2025 AT 13:29Plendil is for people who like paying extra for the same chemistry. Amlodipine is the real deal. End of story. Anyone who says otherwise is either on the Plendil payroll or just likes drama. Also grapefruit juice? Dumb. Don’t be that guy.
Tyler Wolfe
November 7, 2025 AT 04:30just wanted to say thank you for this post. i was about to ask my dr to switch from plendil because of the swelling but now i realize maybe i just need to give it more time. also didn’t know about the grapefruit thing-yikes. i’ll bring this to my next appt. you saved me from a dumb decision
Neil Mason
November 8, 2025 AT 20:22I’m from Canada and we’ve got the same issues here. Plendil’s still prescribed but mostly for folks who’ve tried everything else. My uncle’s on amlodipine now-costs like $7 a month. He says he feels better than he has in years. But here’s the thing: we’re lucky. Our system subsidizes the good stuff. If you’re in the US and paying $45? That’s not medicine. That’s a tax on being sick. Fight for generics. Ask your pharmacist to help you navigate the system. You’re not alone.
Alexa Ara
November 9, 2025 AT 10:56Hey-just wanted to say you’re not crazy for wanting to feel better. Side effects matter. Cost matters. Your quality of life matters more than any algorithm. If Plendil’s making your mornings awful, that’s not weakness. That’s your body speaking. Ask your doctor for alternatives. Bring this post. You’ve got this. And if you need someone to cheer you on-you’ve got me.