Medicine for HBP - Can it be split into two times 1/2 tab per day ?

[Speedo1968]

Since 2012 I have had multiple TIA's and a number of strokes.

I have early morning high blood pressure.

It drops during the day but by late evening is rising again.

My own "bodyclock" matches most of those considered possible / normal for humans, especially between 2am and 7am.

 

I have recently been prescribed Manidipine Hydrochloride 20mg after another TIA.

Dosage is one tablet ( 20mg ) once per day after meal.  

I cannot tolerate 20mg so have reduced to 1/2 tablet ( ie 10mg ) which I take after early morning walk / breakfast.

The medication is reducing daytime BP but by the late evening my BP is again rising.

 

Two questions:-

# 1 - Why take only once a day, is there a medical reason for this e.g. ones "bodyclock" ?

# 2 - Is there any harm if intolerance ( adverse effects ) is not a problem, of taking 1/2 tablet twice per day ?

 

[Sheryl]

The reason for once daily dosing is that it is easier for patients to remember so compliance is better, and once a day usually works in terms of controlling the BP. Basically any drug that will get the desired effect with once a day dosing is prrescribed  once a day .

 

The recommended dose is 10-20 mg a day. If you find that 10 mg twice a day works better for you than 20 mg once a day, and can remember to take it on that schedule, I am not aware of any reason why that can't be done.

 

This said, it would be a much better idea to go back to your doctor and discuss the adverse effects you are experiencing with him.