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Common uses
This medicine is an alpha- and nonselective beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. This medicine is also used after a heart attack to improve survival. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, barbiturates, birth control pills, cimetidine, cyclosporine, decongestants, disopyramide, flecainide, hydralazine, indomethacin, insulin, mefloquine, nateglinide, phenothiazines, prazosin, quinidine, repaglinide, rifampin, verapamil, medicine for asthma, medicine for diabetes, or medicine for thyroid conditions.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including low heart rate, certain lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, certain types uncontrolled congestive heart failure, liver problems, diabetes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of extremely low heart rate, heart block, shock caused by heart failure, serious liver disease, or asthma. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food. Store this medicine at room temperature below 86 degrees f (30 degrees c), away from heat, moisture, and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time(s) each day will help you to remember.
Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects.
Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.
Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. If your doctor has instructed you to check your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure how to accurately measure your blood pressure or heart rate.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood glucose levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may occur while taking this medicine include slow heartbeat, diarrhea, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness or trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness or weakness, dry eyes (especially if you wear contact lenses), or a change in vision. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, unusual bruising or bleeding, increased thirst, increased urination, or bluish discoloration of hands or feet.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of worsening heart failure such as shortness of breath, cough, swelling, or unusual weight gain.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include very slow heart rate, severe dizziness, fainting, weakness, and difficult or slowed breathing.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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