Keep it simple

The simpler your high blood pressure medication routine, the easier it will be to remember. Here are a few tips on how to simplify your medications:

  • Find a medication you can take once daily (if possible): Studies show that it's easier to remember your medication if you take it once daily than if you take it more frequently. If you're taking a medication two or more times a day, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you could use a once-daily medication.
  • Use a combination product (if possible): If you are taking two or more blood pressure medications, you may be able to use a combination product instead. Combination products contain two or more ingredients in a single pill. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if a combination product may be an option for you.
  • Find out what else you can do to lower blood pressure: Healthy eating, weight loss, and exercise can all help reduce your blood pressure. These measures are important for everyone with high blood pressure, even those on medications. Sticking to a healthy diet and exercise program may lower your blood pressure to the point where you may be able to stop taking one or more of your medications. To get started, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Make medication-taking part of your daily routine: Take medication at the same time as something else that you do regularly, such as brushing your teeth in the morning or getting ready for bed. Before you decide on an activity, first check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medication should be taken with or without food, and whether it is better taken at a certain time of day (for example, some medications should be taken in the morning).

If you're taking more than one pill, or taking a medication more often than once a day, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medications can be simplified. This may not be possible for everyone, but it's worth looking into.

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