How to Use

In addition to the use of the drug your family doctor has prescribed, appropriate 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 factors 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 take 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.

This drug may cause you to have an unusual feeling of tiredness when you begin to take it. You may also notice an increase in the amount of urine or in your frequency of urination. After taking the drug for a while, these effects must lessen. In general, to keep the increase in urine from effecting your sleep:

• If you are to take a single dose a day, take it in the morning after breakfast.
• If you are to take more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 6 p.m., unless otherwise directed by your family doctor.

However, it is best to plan your dose or doses according to a schedule that will least effect your personal activities and sleep. Ask your health care professional to help you plan the best time to take this drug.

To help you remember to take your drug, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

Dosage

For methyldopa and chlorothiazide
• For oral dosage form - tablets:
  • Adults: Two to four tablets a day, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.
  • Children: Dose must be determined by your family doctor.

For methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide
• For oral dosage form - tablets:
  • Adults: Two to four tablets a day, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.
  • Children: Dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, 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 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.