ISMELIN

Drug Name: ISMELIN

ISMELIN DESCRIPTION:
GUANETHIDINE - ORAL (gwan-ETH-eh-deen)

COMMON ISMELIN BRAND NAME(S):
Ismelin

ISMELIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, sexual problems in males, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, muscle aches, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, severe diarrhea. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ISMELIN:
ISMELIN: Take ISMELIN exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation. Do not stop taking ISMELIN without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It is important to continue taking ISMELIN even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

ISMELIN WARNING:
ISMELIN can frequently cause dizziness and weakness which may lead to fainting, especially when first starting ISMELIN. Symptoms occur more often upon awakening and may increase during hot weather, exercise, or when drinking alcohol. To avoid fainting do not stand quickly and avoid standing or exercising for long periods of time.

ISMELIN USES:
ISMELIN relaxes and expands blood vessles and is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

ISMELIN PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking guanethidine, tell your doctor if you have: heart or blood vessel disease, liver or kidney disease, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, asthma, fever, pheochromocytoma, diabetes. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, change positions slowly. Avoid prolonged standing and be careful on stairs. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Alcohol can lead to excessive drowsiness or fainting. Also avoid hot showers, saunas, or prolonged exercise as excessive heat can worsen dizziness. ISMELIN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if guanethidine passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

ISMELIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before taking guanethidine, tell your doctor of all drugs you may use both prescription and nonprescription, especially: antidepressants; MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine); drugs for mental conditions (e.g., phenothiazines, haloperidol, loxapine); diabetes medicines; drugs used for high blood pressure; weight loss drugs; birth control pills. Do not take any medication for coughs, colds or allergies without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Some of these products contain ingredients which can increase blood pressure. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ISMELIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting or severe dizziness, unusually slow pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

ISMELIN NOTES:
It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking ISMELIN. Learn how to monitor your blood pressure. Discuss this with your doctor. Do not allow anyone else to take ISMELIN.

MISSED ISMELIN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ISMELIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.