Reviewed by: Xubin Yang (Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University)
Your doctor may prescribe you some medication to lower your blood pressure. If there are complications associated with high blood pressure, some other medications may also be prescribed.
Regardless of the treatment regimen, keep the following medication guidelines in mind when taking prescription medications.
Know the name of the medication you're taking and how it works, including its generic name, trade name, dosage, and side effects. Please always carry your medication list with you.
Let every doctor you meet know what medication you're taking and whether your medication or dosage has changed since your last visit.
Take the medication at the same time every day as planned. Do not stop taking or changing medications unless you have communicated with your doctor first. Keep taking your medication even if you're feeling well. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can worsen the condition.
Take medication regularly. For example, with a pill box labeled with the day of the week, you can put the pill in the box before the beginning of the week so that it is easier for you to remember.
Make a medication calendar and keep a note of each medication. The prescription label will tell you how many doses to take at a time, but your doctor may change the dose periodically depending on how you react to the medication.
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On the patient's medication calendar, you can record any changes in the dose of medication prescribed by the doctor.
Do not reduce the dose of the drug in order to save money. You must take the full dose for maximum benefit. If cost is an issue, ask your doctor about ways to reduce medication costs.
Do not take any over-the-counter medications or herbs unless you consult your doctor beforehand. Some medications may interact, causing side effects.
If you forget to take your medication, take it as soon as you remember it.
However, if it is close to the time of the next dose, you can skip the number of times you forgot and continue taking the drug according to the regular medication schedule. Do not take twice the dose to make up for the missing dose.
Dispense the medicine regularly, do not wait until you have run out of medicine before re-dispensing. If you are unable to travel to the pharmacy, have financial problems, or have other problems that make it difficult for you to obtain medication, please let your doctor know.
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Please bring your medication with you during your trip so you can take it on time. On long journeys, please bring an extra week's copy of your medication and prescription (in case you need to re-dispense your medication).
Before undergoing general anesthesia procedures, including dental procedures, please inform your doctor of the medications you are taking.
Antibiotics may be required before surgery or dental surgery. Also, if you are taking aspirin or other anticoagulant medications, tell your doctor.
Certain medications may alter your heart rate, so measure your heart rate regularly.
Medications that relax blood vessels may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness while standing or getting out of bed, sit down or lie down for a few minutes.
If you have any questions about the medications you are taking, feel free to consult your doctor.
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