Used to treat:

• High Blood Pressure
• Congestive Heart Failure

General Directions for Taking Medication:

• Take only as directed. Take medicine daily, even if you begin to feel better.
• DO NOT stop taking the medicine abruptly. This may worsen some conditions.
• You may take this medicine with or without meals.
• If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, take only 1 dose. DO NOT double up the doses.
• Since this medicine may cause hypotension (low blood pressure), change positions slowly.
• Learn how to monitor your blood pressure at home and keep a diary for your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor about exercise, tips to stop smoking and less salt in your diet.
• Keep enough medication on hand especially during holidays, weekends and vacations.
• Talk to your doctor about the need to wear a medical alert pendant or bracelet. There are many products that provide information to health care providers about your medicines and specific condition in case of an emergency.
• See your doctor regularly to monitor the effectiveness of this medication with routine lab tests, blood pressure screenings, and a physical exam.

Contraindications:

• Allergies - Hypersensitivity to this medication or its components
• Use with caution in:
• Pregnancy and Breast Feeding - May not be safe for your baby. Talk to your doctor about risks and benefits
• Elderly patients
• Patients with kidney, liver or heart disease; electrolyte disorders; or circulatory disorders of the brain
• Patients currently taking diuretics (water pills)

Common Side Effects:

• May occur during the first few days after beginning therapy, but usually resolve:
• The most common is a persistent, dry cough.
• Others may include low blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, loss of taste or bad taste in mouth, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or fatigue

Serious Side Effects:

• Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
• Tingling or swelling of the hands or feet; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat or hoarseness; mouth sores; or dizziness
• Allergic reaction symptoms such as a red skin rash; itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat; wheezing; chest pain; and difficulty breathing

Interactions:

• Drug - There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, which will alter the action of this medication. Some include antacids, other antihypertensives, potassium supplements, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, Lithium, Digoxin, gout medication, antibiotics, anti-arthritis medications (Capsacin), decongestants, and anti-tuberculosis agents.
• It is extremely important that you consult with your doctor about dosing schedules if you take a variety of medications along with this medication. DO NOT take any new medication without talking with your doctor first.
• Food - May decrease absorption of this medication.

Warnings:

• Overdose - Can lead to severe hypotension.
• Avoid exercising in hot climates; it increases the dizziness.
• DO NOT drive or operate machinery until you can determine the extent of drowsiness or dizziness. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dose to help control side effects.
• Avoid stimulants such as decongestants or caffeine containing drinks (soft drinks, coffee, or tea). May increase your heart rate.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages due to hypotensive side effects.
• Keep this medication and all others out of reach of children and pets.

General Dosage Information:

Storage:

• Keep at room temperature.
• Protect from sunlight and moisture.
• DO NOT store in the bathroom.