Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

In addition to the use of 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 are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may 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, stroke, or kidney disease.

The capsule or tablet is usually swallowed whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the contents on a small amount (4 ounces) of applesauce or mix it in 4 ounces of water or apple juice. Eat all of the food or drink all of the liquid to make sure you get the correct amount of 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 oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
    • For high blood pressure:
      • Adults—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day, taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For heart failure after a heart attack:
      • Adults—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 5 mg two times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For preventing heart attack or stroke:
      • Adults 55 years of age and older—At first, 2.5 milligrams (mg) once a day for 1 week. For the next 3 weeks, the dose is 5 mg per day as a single dose. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.
      • Adults younger than 55 years of age and 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.

You may store the mixed medicine for 24 hours at room temperature or up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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