Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine with food.

If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may use the oral liquid. To use:

  • Empty the contents of the ampule into a medication cup. Keep the ampule in its unopened foil pouch until you are ready to use it.
  • Measure the liquid with a marked oral syringe to get your dose.
  • Place the tip of the oral syringe into your or your child’s mouth and towards the cheek. Then slowly push down on the plunger until the oral syringe is empty.
  • Do not save or reuse any leftover oral liquid in the cup or oral syringe.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may change the amount of this medicine that is absorbed in the body.

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 heart failure:
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 7.5 mg 2 times a day.
      • Children 6 months of age and older weighing less than 40 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. At first, 0.05 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 7.5 mg 2 times a day.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 7.5 mg 2 times a day.
      • Children weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 7.5 mg 2 times a day.
      • Children weighing less than 40 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Throw away any unused oral liquid.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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