Common Uses
This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor blocker and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before Use
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
Do not take this medicine if you are also taking dofetilide or ketanserin.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking lithium, diazoxide, digitoxin, or digoxin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
This medicine may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination.
To prevent this medicine from affecting your sleep take your dose in the morning. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm.
Store this medicine at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.
It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you do not feel sick. Many people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Try not to miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Caution
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects.
This medicine may cause dizziness. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause dizziness.
This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
Do not use a salt substitute or other potassium supplement without checking with your doctor.
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
FOR WOMEN: use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness especially when sitting up or standing, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, unusual dizziness or drowsiness, unusual thirst, fainting, confusion, unusually rapid or slow pulse, or seizures.
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
