Precautions for Use. Possible Effects on Laboratory Tests

CAUTION

Possible Effects on Laboratory Tests

Adverse Effects That May Mimic Natural Diseases or Disorders

Possible Adverse Effects(unusual, unexpected and infrequent reactions) If any of the following develop, consult your physician promptly for guidance.

Inform Your Physician Before Taking This Drug If

• you have had an adverse reaction to any beta blocker drug in the past.

• you have a history of serious heart disease, with or without episodes
of heart failure.

• you have a history of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, chronic
bronchitis or emphysema.

• you have a history of overactive thyroid function (hyperthyroidism).

• you have a history of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

• you have impaired liver or kidney function.

• you have diabetes or myasthenia gravis.

• you are currently taking any form of digitalis, quinidine or reserpine,
or any calcium blocker drug.,

• you plan to have surgery under general anesthesia in the near future.

Possible Side-Effects (natural, expected and unavoidable drug actions) Lethargy (2.8%), fatigability (2.9%), cold extremities (1.9%), slow heart rate (8.1%), light-headedness in upright position (see Orthostatic Hypo­tension in Glossary).

Mild Adverse Effects

Allergic Reactions: Skin rash (1.2%), itching.

Headache (6.5%), dizziness (4.5%), drowsiness, insomnia (1.2%), abnormal dreams (1.0%).

Indigestion (4.7%), nausea (1.6%), diarrhea (2.0%).

Joint and muscle discomfort (3.1%), fluid retention (edema) (1.8%). Serious Adverse Effects

Mental depression (0.8%), anxiety (0.8%).

Chest pain (2.4%), shortness of breath (2.4%), precipitation of congestive heart failure.

Induction of bronchial asthma (in asthmatic individuals).

Possible Effects on Sexual Function: Decreased libido, impotence (1.2%). Altered menstrual patterns.

Reduced blood flow to extremities may resemble Raynaud's phenome­non (see Glossary).

Glaucoma-screening test (measurement of internal eye pressure): pres­sure is decreased (false low or normal value). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test: positive in 5.3% of users. Blood platelet counts: decreased (rarely).

1. Do not discontinue this drug suddenly without the knowledge and
guidance of your physician. Carry a notation on your person that you
are taking this drug.

2. Consult your physician or pharmacist before using nasal deconges­
tants usually present in over-the-counter cold preparations and nose
drops. These can cause sudden increases in blood pressure when
taken concurrently with beta blocker drugs.

3. Report the development of any tendency to emotional depression.

By Infants and Children: Safety and effectiveness for use by those under 12 years of age have not been established. However, if this drug is used, observe for the development of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during periods of reduced food intake.

By Those over 60 Years of Age: Proceed cautiously with all antihypertensive drugs. Unacceptably high blood pressure should be reduced without creating the risks associated with excessively low blood pressure. Start treatment with 5 mg daily and monitor the blood pressure response frequently. Sudden, rapid and excessive reduction of blood pressure can predispose to stroke or heart attack. Total daily dosage should not exceed 10 to 15 mg. Observe for dizziness, unsteadiness, tendency to fall, confusion, hallucinations, depression or urinary frequency. This age group is more prone to develop excessively slow heart rates and hypothermia.

Дата добавления: 2015-06-25