How to Use Micardis to Lower Blood Pressure

Micardis is one of the more popular of today's drugs that physicians are prescribing for high blood pressure. There is a good reason for that. The drug belongs to a group of medications more commonly referred to as a receptor opponents or inhibitors. The ingredients of the medication work to constrict blood vessels. While Micardis on its own may not be enough to prevent high blood pressure, when used in conjunction with other medications, it can be extremely effective.

Instructions

1. Chart the blood pressure rate before and during the early stages (first 2 weeks) of taking Micardis. It is important to have a starting point guideline and to be able to gauge whether or not the medication appears to be working as intended.

2. Consult the prescribing physician about other medications that might interact with the drug. Inform him of any other medications being taken to make sure that Micardis can work effectively in conjunction with them.

3. Take the medication only as the doctor prescribed. Too little of the medication will likely not be effective, while too much of it can cause other health issues.

4. Ingest the medication around the same time every day, and drink plenty of water when swallowing the drug.

5. Avoid taking a catch-up dose of the drug if a dose is accidentally forgotten. Wait for the next dose. If, on the other hand, multiple doses are missed for some reason, contact the prescribing physician for instructions on how to proceed.

6. Take the drug with or without food. Some people find that taking it with food decreases the possibility of nausea. Others do not experience any nausea at all, and therefore, can take the drug without food.

7. Record blood pressure at home on a random basis. Even after the medication begins to take effect, it is a good idea to monitor blood pressure at least randomly. That way, a physician can be notified immediately if drops or rises in blood pressure take place.

8. Call a doctor right away if any unusual symptoms or conditions arise after beginning the drug. Micardis can have some serious side effects including blackouts, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the extremities and of the throat, lips or tongue.

9. Consult a doctor about milder side effects at the next visit. Milder side effects include excessive sweating, cold-like or sinusitis symptoms, muscle pain, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, rash or hives, an increased frequency or intensity of headaches, an overall feeling of weakness or a never ending feeling of exhaustion.

10. Go immediately to the ER if an overdose of the medication has taken place. Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, blackouts, and either excessively rapid or too slow a pulse rate.

Tips & Warnings

• Feel free to question the doctor about the medication, its dangers and its side effects.

• Report any unusual changes in body function to the physician, even if they are different than those listed here.

• Pregnant women should avoid Micardis. It isn’t considered safe for pregnant women or their unborn babies.

• Those with certain medical conditions like kidney or liver disease should avoid this particular medication.

• Do not take potassium supplements with Micardis as they may inhibit the effectiveness of the drug.

• Do not use alcohol in conjunction with Micardis.

• Avoid taking Micardis with other drugs that might affect its ability to do its job.

• Avoid dehydration, while taking Micardis as the drug may worsen the condition.