Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only 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. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you.

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 foods high in sodium (salt). Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should first 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, strokes, or kidney disease.

Swallow the extended-release capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule:

  • You may open it and sprinkle the contents over a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food (including applesauce, pudding, or yogurt). Swallow the mixture within 60 minutes. Do not store for later use.
  • You may also use a nasogastric tube to give the medicine. Mix the contents of the opened capsule with water into a syringe. Gently shake the mixture for about 10 seconds, then flush it through the tube. Rinse the tube with water until all of the medicine is washed out.

Take the tablet or extended-release tablet with a meal or just after you eat. You may break the extended-release tablet into two pieces, but swallow the two pieces whole and do not crush or chew them.

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 acute heart attack or heart failure:
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
      • Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day for 2 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day for 2 weeks. In patients with severe heart failure, the starting dose is 12.5 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) every 6 hours for 2 days. Then, 100 mg 2 times a day. The medicine will be started in the hospital.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For chest pain:
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
      • Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) per day, given in two divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For high blood pressure:
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
      • Adults—At first, 25 to 100 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day. The first dose should not be more than 50 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 25 to 100 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
      • Children 6 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given as a single dose. The first dose should not be more than 50 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 450 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. .

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

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

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.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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