Avapro

This medicine is an angiotensin ii receptor blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Avapro is an angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist. It works by decreasing certain chemicals in the body, which cause blood vessels to narrow and sodium and fluids to be stored in the kidneys.

It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Warning: this drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Do not use Avapro

• If you are allergic to any ingredient in Avapro
• If you are pregnant and past your third month

Precautions

For women: use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you are only taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Avapro side effects

No common side effects have been reported with the proper use of this medicine. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much (Avapro overdose)

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information about Avapro

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Avapro may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Avapro with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Avapro may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Avapro should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not take Avapro after the third month of pregnancy. It may cause injury or death to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Avapro is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Avapro.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.