How well your high blood pressure medicines work depends on you using them correctly. That means knowing when, how and with what to take your pills.

But taking medicines exactly as prescribed can be challenging, especially if you take multiple drugs. Consider some tips to stay on track.

To get the best results from your treatment, you need to take your medicines exactly as prescribed. That may sound obvious, but by some estimates only half the people taking blood pressure medicines take their correct doses at the correct times.

If you take your pills:

• Too early — you might have symptoms and side effects, such as lightheadedness and nausea. Taking the medicine before it's time can create too high a dose, due to an increased level of the drug in your bloodstream.

• Too late, or not at all — your blood pressure may increase. This happens because of the decreased drug level in your bloodstream.

  If you stop taking your pills entirely, your blood pressure may rebound to levels that are higher than before your condition was diagnosed. This is a problem with some medicines.

To help you take your medicine properly:

• Know your drug names and doses. Keep the original containers and every so often bring them to your health care team to make sure you're taking the right drug in the proper dosage.
• Use daily activities as reminders. If you take a morning medicine, put the pills near your breakfast dishes, toothbrush or razor — so long as it doesn't endanger children or pets. Or put a sticker near these items to remind you to take your pills.
• Set a clock, cellphone or wristwatch alarm. The alarm will remind you when it's time to take your medicine.
• Use a pillbox. If you take several drugs, buy a pillbox with compartments for each day of the week. Load the box once a week to keep track of the pills you take and when.
• Ask for help. Ask a family member or friend to remind you to take your pills, at least until you've integrated the habit into your daily routine.

• Take pills with water and, if so directed, with food. Water helps dissolve the drug. If you usually take your pills with another liquid, check with your care team or pharmacist to make sure it mixes well with the medicine. Some medicines shouldn't be taken with grapefruit products.

  If you're supposed to take your pills with food, do so. Otherwise, the drug may not be absorbed correctly into your bloodstream.

• Use good lighting. Don't take your medicine in the dark. You might accidentally take the wrong pill.
• Refill your prescriptions in advance. Plan to refill your prescription at least a couple of weeks before you need them, in case something unexpected upsets your routine. Snowstorms, the flu and accidents are just a few examples of surprises that can delay your trip to the pharmacy or medicine deliveries.
• Don't change your dosage. If your blood pressure increases even though you're taking your medicine correctly, don't increase the dosage on your own. Check with your care team first. Similarly, don't decrease your dosage without first checking with your care team.

Many blood pressure drugs can cause side effects, though they're usually minimal. If side effects bother you, talk to your care team at your next checkup. They may adjust the dosage or suggest a different medicine.