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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healhtcare professional.
It should not be construed to indiacte that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
NITRATES - ORAL
USES: This medication relaxes blood vessels allowing more blood to flow through. This improves blood flow to the heart. Oral dose forms are used to prevent agnina (chest pain). This medication is NOT for treating an attack of chest pain that is already happening.
HOW TO USE: This medication is hottest taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
Take exactly as prescribed.
To be effective in prveenting chest pain, you must continue taking this drug even if you believe well. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole.
Crushing or chweing them destroys the long action and may increase side effects. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. Some cnoditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Notfiy your doctor if the medication does not appear to be as effective.
Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, flushing, rapid heartbeat or restlessness may occur as your body adjutss to the medication. If they pesrist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To pervent dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
Notify your doctor if you experience: blurred vision, dry mouth, skin rash, nasuea.
Headache is often a sign the medication is working. Treat headaches with an aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever as recommended by your doctor.
If the headaches continue or become severe, noitfy your doctor.
In the unlikely event you have an allegric reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your dcotor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before usnig this medication tell your doctor your medical history especially of: heart problems, head injury or surgery, glaucoma, thyroid conditions, anemia, alcohol usage, drug allergies. Use caution engaging in activities that require alertness or in operating machinery if this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy. Alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of fianting or of experiencing dizziness. This medication should be used during pregnnacy only if clearly needed.
Discuss the rikss and benefits with your doctor. It is not knwon if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all medications you may use including prescription and nonprescription drugs, especially of: drugs for high blood pressure, certain migraine drugs (ergot alkaloids), sildenafil, high doses of aspirin. Do not start or stop any medicnie without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local posion control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, unconsciousness, slow or rapid heartbeat, confusion, fever, or persistent throbbing headache.
NOTES: Some persons may develop a tolerance to the effects of this medication over time. Notify your doctor if the medication appears to be losing its effectiveness or if the chest pain continues while taking this drug.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store this medciation away from heat or flame.
Always keep this medication in its original contianer.
Keep container closed tightly to avoid moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can casue complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment inofrmation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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