PO Geriatric Patients ): Initiate at 1.25 mg once daily; ↑ as required/tolerated (up to 5 mg/day).
PO (Children ≥6 yr): 1.25–2.5 mg once daily.
Hepatic Impairment
PO (Adults ): Initiate at 1.25 mg once daily; ↑ as required/tolerated (up to 5 mg/day).
Availability⬆⬇
Tablets: 2.5 mg; 5 mg
Assessment⬆⬇
Monitor BP and pulse before therapy, during dose titration, and periodically during therapy. Titration usually occurs after 7–14 days.
Monitor frequency of prescription refills to determine adherence.
Lab Test Considerations:
Total serum calcium concentrations are not affected by calcium channel blockers.
Implementation⬆⬇
Administer once daily.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Instruct patient to take medication as directed, even if feeling well. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to the medication is known.
Encourage patient to comply with other interventions for hypertension (weight reduction, low-sodium diet, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and stress management). Medication controls but does not cure hypertension.
Instruct patient and family in proper technique for monitoring BP. Advise patient to take BP weekly and to report significant changes to health care professional.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if irregular heartbeat, dyspnea, swelling of hands and feet, pronounced dizziness, nausea, feeling faint or light-headedness occurs.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken; to avoid alcohol; and to consult health care professional before taking any new medications, especially cold preparations and NSAIDs.
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
