Patient question
What should I do if I forget to take my cardiovascular medication?
Answer reviewed by Wang Haiying, Attending Physician
Professional answer
Do not try to make up for the missed dose based on your own judgment, double the next dose, or stop other medications. The appropriate action after a missed dose can differ depending on the drug, so check the medication instructions from your doctor or consult your prescribing physician, pharmacist, or original care team as soon as possible. When asking, provide the drug name, strength, originally scheduled time, how long ago the missed dose was, and whether you currently have any symptoms. If you develop severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or other serious symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.