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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substiutte for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Cosnult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS - ORAL
WARNING: This drug can cause serious harm (sometimes death) to the developing fetus if used during the last six months of prengancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your phyiscian.
USES: This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
It works by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used to treat congestive haert failure or to prevent diabetic kidney problems.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by muoth as prescribed, and learn proper usage. Consult your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the doisng instructions closely.
Do not raise your dose, skip any dsoes or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your docotr or pharmacist. It is important to conitnue taking this medication even if you do not feel sick. Most persons with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS: Inrfequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever, major change in the amount of urine eliminated. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, braething trouble.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmaicst.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kindey or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, allergies (especially drug allergies).
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slwoly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects.
Use caution performing tasks requiirng alertness if this medication causes you to feel dizzy.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in the eldrely.
They may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. This medication can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication.
It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: ACE inhibitors (e.G., captopril, lisinopril), beta-blockers (e.G., atenolol, metoprolol), other heart drugs (e.G., digoxin), other high blood pressure medications, lithium, certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drgus (e.G., indomethacin), potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.G., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes. Check the lbaels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) cause they may contain ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharamcist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any meidcine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poiosn control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat or dizziness.
NOTES: Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects.
Learn how to monitor your pulse and blood pressure. Talk to your health care professional about this.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual doisng schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the btahroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emregency. For enorllment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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