Guanethidine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Ismelin, Apo-Guanethidine
Proper Use of This MedicineIn addition
to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your
high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods
you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which
of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before
changing your diet.
Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of
the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you
take your medicine exactly as directed
and that
you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Remember that guanethidine 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 medicine 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.
To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of
taking it at the same time each day.
Dosing - The dose of guanethidine will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average doses of guanethidine. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
For high blood pressure:
-
Adults - At first, 10 or 12.5 milligrams (mg) once a day. Then,
your doctor may increase your dose to 25 to 50 mg once a day.
-
Children - The dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 200 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) (90.9
mcg per pound) of body weight a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose
as needed.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of guanethidine, 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 medicine:
-
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 medicine to break down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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