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WARNING :
This drug can cause serious fetal harm (possibly death) if used
during the last 6 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant or
think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.
USES :
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors.
It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works
by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high
blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney
problems. This medication is also used to improve survival after
an acute heart attack, help protect the kidneys from damage due to
diabetes, and with other drugs (e.g., "water pills"/diuretics,
digoxin) to treat congestive heart failure.
HOW TO USE :
Take this medication by mouth, usually two to three times a day;
or as directed by your doctor. Take this drug on an empty stomach,
one hour before a meal. Use this medication regularly in order to
get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same
time(s) each day. Do not take potassium supplements or salt
substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or
pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels,
which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle
weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if
these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition
and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure,
it may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug
occurs or several weeks to months when used for congestive heart
failure. It is important to continue taking this medication even
if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel
sick.
SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience dizziness, light-headedness, loss of taste, dry
cough or blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. If
any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or
pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased
sexual ability, fast/pounding heartbeat, chest pain. Tell your
doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, signs
of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat). This
drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver problems.
If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very
serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: yellowing
eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent
fatigue, persistent nausea. A serious allergic reaction to this
drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash,
itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or
throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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