Rauwolfia Alkaloids and Thiazide Diuretics (Systemic)

Brand name(s): o

Proper Use of This Medicine

In 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 this medicine 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.

This medicine may cause you to have an unusual feeling of tiredness when you begin to take it. You may also notice an increase in the amount of urine or in your frequency of urination. After you have taken the medicine for a while, these effects should lessen. In general, to keep the increase in urine from affecting your sleep:

• If you are to take a single dose a day, take it in the morning after breakfast.
• If you are to take more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 6 p.m., unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

However, it is best to plan your dose or doses according to a schedule that will least affect your personal activities and sleep. Ask your health care professional to help you plan the best time to take this medicine.

To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with meals or milk. If stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps) continues, check with your doctor.

Dosing-

The dose of these medicines 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 these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For deserpidine and hydrochlorothiazide combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-1 tablet two times a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For deserpidine and methyclothiazide combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-One-half to 1 tablet a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For rauwolfia serpentina and bendroflumethiazide combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-1 to 4 tablets a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For reserpine and chlorothiazide combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-1 or 2 tablets one or two times a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For reserpine and chlorthalidone combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-1 or 2 tablets once a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For reserpine and hydrochlorothiazide combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-1 tablet one to four times a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For reserpine and methyclothiazide combination
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults-1 to 4 tablets a day.
    • Children-Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose-

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Last Revised: 9/8/2000

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