Sular

Special warnings about Sular

If you have a heart condition or liver disease, be sure the doctor is aware of it. Sular should be used with caution.

Sular may cause an excessive drop in blood pressure, especially when you are first taking the medication or when the dosage is increased. Low blood pressure can also become a problem if you are taking other blood pressure medications. If you develop symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or light-headedness, call your doctor.

If you have angina (chest pain) or clogged coronary arteries, there is a remote possibility that Sular will make the condition worse—or even trigger a heart attack—when you first start taking the drug or its dosage is increased. Your doctor should be especially cautious if you have angina, heart failure, or other heart problems, particularly if you are also taking a medication known as a beta-blocker, such as Tenormin.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Sular

If Sular is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sular with the following:

• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Quinidine (Quinidex)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Sular during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is not known whether Sular makes its way into breast milk. Your doctor will advise whether to stop taking Sular or to forgo breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Sular

ADULTS

Your doctor will adjust the dosage to your individual needs. The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams once a day. At weekly intervals, the doctor may make 10-milligram increases in the dosage, depending on how your blood pressure responds. For the long term, the usual dosage ranges from 20 to 40 milligrams once daily. Doses above 60 milligrams are not recommended.

OLDER ADULTS

The usual starting dose is 10 milligrams. Dosage is adjusted upward according to your needs.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Although no specific information is available, extremely low blood pressure is the most likely symptom of a Sular overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.