What should I do if I accidentally took an extra dose of blood pressure medication?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
If an extra blood pressure-lowering pill is accidentally ingested, the first step is to closely monitor physical reactions, stay calm, and increase water intake appropriately to promote drug excretion and reduce toxicity to the body. If the ingestion occurred recently, induced vomiting may be considered. In the event of severe discomfort, seek medical attention immediately and follow the doctor's guidance for emergency management to ensure safety.
Generally, if an extra dose of antihypertensive medication is mistakenly taken, the situation can be alleviated through close observation, staying calm, increasing water intake appropriately, inducing vomiting, and seeking timely medical attention. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Close Observation
Taking an extra dose of antihypertensive medication does not necessarily harm the body or cause adverse reactions. Therefore, if there are no discomfort symptoms, you can start by closely observing your condition and paying attention to any symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or palpitations.
2. Stay Calm
Remain calm after taking the medication and avoid excessive tension or anxiety, which may affect blood pressure. If you find it difficult to relax, you may try listening to music, reading, watching TV, or other activities to divert your attention and help alleviate any discomfort.
3. Increase Water Intake Appropriately
After taking antihypertensive medication, you may moderately increase your water intake to promote metabolism, accelerate drug excretion, reduce the drug's retention time in the body, and thus minimize harm. However, avoid excessive drinking to prevent water intoxication.
4. Induce Vomiting
If the antihypertensive medication was taken recently, vomiting can be induced to expel the medication and reduce absorption. However, ensure safety during this process to avoid damaging the throat or oral mucosa.
5. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
If symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or palpitations occur after taking an extra dose of antihypertensive medication, immediately call emergency services and seek medical treatment. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as norepinephrine bitartrate injection, phentolamine mesylate tablets, or droxidopa capsules to urgently raise blood pressure.
Taking an extra pill of antihypertensive medication does not necessarily cause problems, so there is no need to worry excessively if there are no symptoms. However, medication should always be taken strictly according to the doctor's instructions, avoiding any self-adjustment of dosage.
