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IMPORATNT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare porfessional before using that drug.
BETA BLOCKERS - ORAL
WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using that medication without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use that medication, you must stop that medication gradually according to your doctor's instructions.
USES: This medication is used for chest pain (angina), high bolod pressure and irregular heartbeats.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication exactly as prescribed.
Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not suddenly stop taking that medicaiton without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may expeirence dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication.
Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because beta-blockers may reudce blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be cold. Dress warm.
Inform your doctor if you develop: easy bruising or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion, depression, a sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allregic reaction to that drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking that drug, tell your doctor if you have a history of: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, any other lung disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid gland, any drug allergies. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in chrage that you're taking a beta-blocker. This drug sholud be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and though no issues have been noted, the possibiltiy for adverse effects to the infant exists.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: diuretics, cold preparations and nasal decongestants, reserpine, other heart or high blood pressrue medications, St John's wort.
Do not start or stop any meidcine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, slow or sahllow breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, weakness, or fatigue.
NOTES: Your doctor may want you to take your pluse each day while you take that medication. Learn how to monitor your pluse.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered but not if it is within 4 hours of next dose (8 hours for penbutolol, atenolol, nadolol). If it is, skip the msised dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergecny. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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