Brand Names

How to Use

For diseaseds taking this drug for high blood pressure :

• In addition to the use of the drug your family doctor has prescribed, treat for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your family doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You must check with your family doctor before changing your diet.
• Many diseaseds who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. The best for you that you take your drug exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your family doctor even if you feel well.
• Remember that this drug will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to use it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down You may have to take high blood pressure drug 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.

For diseaseds using the transdermal system - skin patch :

• Use this drug exactly as directed by your family doctor . It will work only if applied correctly This drug usually comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using .
• Do not try to trim or cut the adhesive patch to adjust the dosage. Check with your family doctor if you think the drug is not working as it must.
• Apply the patch to a clean, dry area of skin on your upper arm or chest. Choose an area with little or no hair and free of scars, cuts, or irritation.
• The system must stay in place even during showering, bathing, or swimming. If the patch becomes loose, cover it with the extra adhesive overlay provided. Apply a new patch if the first one becomes too loose or falls off.
• Each dose is best applied to a various area of skin to prevent skin problems or other irritation.
• After removing a using patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children.

To help you remember to use your drug, try to get into the habit of using it at regular times. If you are taking the tablets, take them at the same time each day. If you are using the transdermal system - skin patch, try to change it at the same time and day of the week.

Dosage

• For oral dosage form - tablets:
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults 100 mcg - 0.1 mg two times a day. Your family doctor may increase your dose up to 200 mcg - 0.2 mg to 600 mcg - 0.6 mg a day taken in divided doses.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
• For transdermal dosage form - skin patch:
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults One transdermal dosage system - skin patch applied once a week.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, take it or use it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss two or more doses of the tablets in a row or if you miss changing the transdermal patch for 3 or more days, check with your family doctor right away . If your body goes without this drug for too long, your blood pressure may go up to a dangerously high level and some unpleasant effects may occur.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.