Discharge Instructions: Taking Vasodilators

The name of my medicine is:

_________________________

I take this medicine for:

_________________________

Home care

• Read the fact sheet. It tells you when and how to take your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.

• Tell your health care provider if you take other medicines.

• Also let them know if you take vitamins or herbs.

• Take your medicine as directed.

• Keep all of your follow-up visits.

• Tell your provider if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Side effects

Tell your health care provider if you have side effects. Don’t stop taking the medicine until your provider tells you to. Mild side effects include:

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Loss of appetite.

• Dizziness when you stand.

• Low blood pressure.

Your blood pressure can get too low if you use one of these medicines with some other medicines. This can be dangerous. This includes medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Two examples of these are sildenafil and tadalafil.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of these:

• Muscle or joint pain

• Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or feet

• Swollen feet, lower legs, or lymph nodes

• Bloating

• Fever and sore throat

• Weakness

• Skin rash or redness, itching, or blisters

• Unusual changes in the way your skin looks

• Constipation

• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fainting

Call 911

Call 911 if any of the following occur:

• Unusual or severe chest pain

• Severe dizziness or lightheadedness

• Fainting