Beta-Adalat

What is it?

A cardio-selective β-blocker/Class II calcium antagonist containing atenolol and nifedipine available as red-brown capsules marked with the Bayer cross and name and containing 50mg atenolol and 20mg nifedipine.

Medical Uses

Hypertension, angina (where therapy with a calcium-channel blocker or β-blocker alone proves to be ineffective).

Dosage

For hypertension, 1 capsule each day increasing to 2 per each 24 hour period, if required. Elderly persons, 1 capsule. Angina, 1 capsule twice each day (two in each 24 hour period).

Special Care

Elderly persons, weak heart, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, anaesthesia.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, heart block, heart shock or heart failure, asthma, wheezing.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressant drugs, cimetidine, quinidine, digoxin, rifampicin, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, flushing, dryness of eyes, skin rashes, oedema, swelling of gums, breast enlargement. Rarely, allergic jaundice, mood swings, heart pain (withdraw drug), heart attack.

Manufacturer

Bayer.