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What is Avapro
 Avapro
is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Avapro prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels
(veins and arteries).
Avapro
is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetic
nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes).
Avapro
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Avapro
Do not take Avapro if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. When used during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy, Avapro can cause injury and
even death to the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately
if you think you might be pregnant.
Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Avapro may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If
you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower
blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while
taking Avapro.
What you should find out before taking
Avapro
Before taking Avapro, tell your doctor if you
-
have kidney disease;
- have liver disease;
-
are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium
in your blood; or
- are taking a potassium supplement
(e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing
diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium,
Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
You may not be able to take Avapro, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Avapro
is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is
known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during
the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Avapro can
cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. Do
not take Avapro if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment
It is not known whether Avapro passes
into breast milk. Do not take Avapro without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Avapro Take Avapro exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
You can
take Avapro with or without food.
Your doctor may
want to monitor your blood pressure or perform other tests
to monitor the effects of this medication.
Do not
stop taking Avapro without first talking to your doctor.
If you stop taking the medication, your condition could
become worse.
Store Avapro at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Avapro overdose are not well known, but might include
dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain.
Avoid while taking Avapro Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Avapro may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when
rising from a sitting or lying position.
Use alcohol
cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and
increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Avapro.
Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements
without first talking to your doctor. Avapro can affect
potassium levels in the body.
Possible side effects of Avapro If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Avapro and call your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
- little
or no urine.
Other side effects are less serious.
Continue to take Avapro and talk to your doctor if you experience
- diarrhea or upset stomach;
- swelling;
-
muscle pain, cramps, or backache;
- dizziness;
-
headache;
- insomnia; or
- congestion or cough
(very unlikely).
Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Avapro Before taking Avapro, tell your doctor if you
-
take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and
others;
- take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water
pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone),
or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or
-
use a salt substitute.
Avapro can affect potassium
levels in the body. You may not be able to take Avapro,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take for
high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Avapro may
cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other
heart medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Avapro
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products. |
