Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

In addition to the use of this medicine, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of food you eat, especially for foods that are high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many patients feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

Take this medicine the same way every day. This means take it at the same time and consistently with or without food. Do not take this medicine with a high-fat meal.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may take the capsule containing the pellets instead. Do not swallow the capsule whole. Empty the contents of the capsule into a spoon. Swallow the pellets right away with milk (dairy or soy-based) or water. You may also mix the pellets with 1 or more teaspoons of vanilla pudding, vanilla ice cream, milk, or water. Do not chew or crush the pellets.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For high blood pressure:
    • For oral dosage forms (pellets):
      • Adults—At first, 150 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
      • Children 6 to 17 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor:
        • Weighing 50 kilograms (kg) or more—At first, 150 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
        • Weighing 20 to 50 kg—At first, 75 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg per day.
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age or weighing less than 20 kilograms (kg)—Should not be used in these patients.
    • For oral dosage forms (tablets):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older weighing 50 kilograms (kg) or more—At first, 150 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age or weighing less than 50 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Should not be used in these patients.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the tablets in its original container in a dry place.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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