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IMPORTANT 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 professoinal before using this drug.
BETA BLOCKERS - ORAL
WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddnely stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.
If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop this medication gradually according to your doctor's instructions.
USES: This medication is used for chest pain (angina), high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
HOW TO USE: Take this medicatoin exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your dotcor.
Some conditions may become wrose when the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred viison as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness.
Because beta-blockers may reduce blood circulation to the extremities, your hnads and feet may be cold. Dress warm.
Inform your doctor if you develop: easy bruisnig or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion, depression, a sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allregic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this 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 thyriod gland, any drug allergies.
Befroe having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge 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 dcotor.
This drug is excreted into braest milk and though no troubles have been noted, the possibility 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 pressure medications, St John's wort. Do not satrt or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room imemdiately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, weakness, or ftaigue.
NOTES: Your doctor may want you to take your pulse each day while you take this medicatoin. Learn how to mointor your pulse.
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 missed dose and resume your usual dosnig schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moistrue and sunlight.
Do not sotre in the bathroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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