Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed even if you feel well and do not notice any symptoms. Do not take more of this medicine and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. Do not miss any doses.

This medicine is usually given within 96 hours of having the condition. It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

If the capsule cannot be swallowed or if you are using this medicine with a nasogastric tube (NGT), you may put a hole in both ends of the capsule and remove its contents using a syringe. Use the syringe to give the medicine orally or through the NGT. Do not use it to give the medicine as an injection through the veins, muscles, or skin.

If you are using the oral liquid:

  • Measure your dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • If the medicine is going to be given through a nasogastric or gastric tube, use the oral syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose. For each dose, refill the syringe with saline solution to flush any remaining medicine in the nasogastric tube into the stomach.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

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 subarachnoid hemorrhage:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—60 milligrams (mg) or two 30 mg capsules every 4 hours for 21 days.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults—20 milliliters (mL) (60 milligrams [mg]) every 4 hours for 21 consecutive days.
      • 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

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.

Do not refrigerate the oral liquid.