Avapro

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Avapro

Uses
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug may also be used to treat congestive heart failure or to prevent diabetic kidney problems.

Notes

Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working properly and to monitor for possible side effects.
Learn how to monitor your pulse and blood pressure.
Talk to your health care professional about this.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
Do not store in the bathroom.

Avapro

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as prescribed, and learn proper usage.
Consult your pharmacist.
Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely.
Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor.
Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you do not feel sick.
Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.

Side Effects

Infrequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Unlikely to occur but report promptly abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever or major change in the amount of urine eliminated.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including any pre-existing kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes or any allergies, especially drug allergies.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects.
Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel dizzy.
Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly.
This medication can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not recommended during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before using this medication.
It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including any other drugs for blood pressure (e.g., diuretics-"water pills").
Do not take any over-the-counter medication for allergies or cough or colds without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Many of the products contain ingredients which may interact with the effects of this medication.
Also, tell your doctor of any aspirin or aspirin-like pain or fever medications that you use and of other drugs that can cause kidney problems such as amphotericin, gentamicin, etc.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.