Co-Betaloc

What is it?

An antihypertensive preparation combined with a cardioselective β-blocker with a thiazide diuretic, available as white scored tablets, marked A/MH, contain 100mg metoprolol tartrate and 12.5mg hydro chlorothiazide. Also, CO-BETALOCSA are yellow, film-coated tablets, marked A/MC, containing 200mg metoprolol tartrate and 25mg hydrochlorothiazide and having a sustained- release core.

Medical Uses

Mild to moderate hypertension.

Dosage

Adults, 1 to 3 tablets each day in single or divided doses, or 1 CoBetaloc SA tablet daily.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, diabetes, history of bronchospasm, wheezing, asthma etc. , kidney or liver disorders, metabolic acidosis, thyrotoxic crisis, insufficient blood supply to brain, weakness, undergoing general anaesthesia, (may need to be withdrawn before planned surgery). Monitor electrolyte levels. Patients with weak hearts may need treatment with digitalis and diuretics. Withdraw drug gradually. Potassium supplements may be required.

Avoid Use

Children, sinus bradycardia, Prinzmetal's angina, heart block, heart shock, uncompensated heart failure, severe peripheral arterial disease, sick sinus syndrome, hypotension, failure of right ventricle of heart secondary to high blood pressure, severe kidney failure, anuria, metabolic acidosis, untreated phaeochromocytoma.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Sympathomimetics, warfarin, cardiac depressant anaesthetics, clonidine withdrawal, theophylline, hypoglycaemics, class I antiarrhythmic drugs, diltiazem, other antihypertensives, class 11 calcium antagonists, verapamil, ergot alkaloids, reserpine, ibuprofen, indomethacin, rifampicin, cimetidine, CNS depressants, sympathomimetics. Also, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, NSAIDs, amantadine lithium, digitalis, allopurinol.

Known Side Effects

Slow heart beat, heart failure, gastrointestinal upset, tiredness with exercise, cold hands and feet, low blood pressure, baldness, sleep disturbances, bronchospasm, blood changes. Also, sensitivity to light, enlargement of breasts, gout. If unexplained dry eyes or skin rashes occur, drug may need to be stopped gradually.