Taking your high blood pressure medications properly
Why is it important that I take my medications properly?
Medicines work in a delicate balance with each other and with your body. But some medicines should not be combined with other prescription or nonprescription medicines. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines you are taking.
A combination of medicines given in a lower dose than a single medicine may work better to lower your high blood pressure and may cause fewer side effects.
Finding the right combination of medicines with the fewest side effects can take some time, so it is important to take your medicines in the right combination and at the right time, as your doctor has prescribed. If you don't take your medicines properly:
- Your blood pressure may not be controlled, which can lead to kidney and heart disease and stroke.
- You may develop eye damage (retinopathy).
- You may develop peripheral arterial disease.
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I need to tell my doctor about all of the medicines I am taking, including nonprescription drugs.
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition | |
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