Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

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

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 might 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.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Also, take this medicine at the same time each day.

Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition.

If your child has a liquid form of the medicine, shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before giving a dose.

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

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 oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For heart failure:
      • Adults—At first, 40 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 320 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For high blood pressure:
      • Adults—At first, 80 or 160 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 320 mg per day.
      • Children 1 to 16 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day given as a single dose. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 mg per kg of body weight or 160 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 1 year of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For left ventricular failure after a heart attack:
      • Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 320 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

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.

Store the liquid at room temperature for up to 30 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 75 days.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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