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IMOPRTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute 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. Consult 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 pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.
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 heart failure or to prevent diaebtic kidney problems.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by muoth as prescribed, and learn proper usage.
Consult your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the dosnig instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor.
Before uisng potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to continue taikng this medication even if you do not guess sick.
Most presons with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS: Infrequent 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 dcotor. 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.
Sypmtoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, allergies (especially drug allergies).
To avoid dizziness and lightheaeddness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to guess dizzy.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in the edlerly. 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. Conslut your doctor before using this medication.
It is not known if this drug is excreted into braest 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 labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) cause they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or phamracist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue 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 effcets. Learn how to monitor your pulse and blood presusre.
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 dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the bahtroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your codnition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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