MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Miscellaneous Antihypertensives

Names
methyl dopa (Aldomet)
clonidine (Catapres)
guanfacine (Tenex)
labetalol (Normadyne, Trandate)
hydralazine (Apresoline)
minoxidil (Loniten)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Antihypertensive medication is used to lower blood pressure and then maintain normal blood pressures. There are several different kinds of antihypertensives. More information on the other types can be found in the sections of this manual that describe beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, Angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics.

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines in of this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication, prescription or non-prescription, including vitamins and herbs, especially any other medications for your heart, blood vessels or blood pressure
Have any medical conditions, especially kidney disease or narcolepsy

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor whether it should be taken with or before food.
Restrict your intake of salt.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Each of these medications has a specific list of possible side effects. Like all drugs used to lower blood pressure, these medications can cause lightheadedness, especially when getting up from sitting or lying down positions. Ask your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist for more information.