HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as prescribed, and learn proper usage. Consult your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you do not feel sick. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.

SIDE EFFECTS: Infrequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever, major change in the amount of urine eliminated. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, allergies (especially drug allergies). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel dizzy. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. They may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. This medication can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: digoxin, lithium, certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., indomethacin), potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.