Monocor

What is it?

An antianginal and antihypertensive preparation which is a cardioselective β-blocker available as film-coated tablets in two strengths; pink, scored tablets contain 5mg of bisoprolol fumarate, marked 5 on one side and LL on the other. White tablets contain 10mg of bisoprolol fumarate marked 10 on one side and LL on the other.

Medical Uses

Angina and high blood pressure.

Dosage

Usual dose is 10mg once each day with a maximum of 20mg. Lopressor SR taken in the morning.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, poor cerebral blood supply, history of bronchospasrn, those undergoing anaesthesia; patients with weak hearts should be treated with digitalis and diuretics. Drug should be stopped gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with asthma, heart diseases including heart block, heart shock, slow heartbeat rate, heart failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressants, anaesthetics, reserpine, sedatives, class II calcium antagonists, anti- hypertensives, sympathomimetics, cimetidine, indomethacin, ergot- amine, class I antiarrhythmic drugs, verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, hypoglycaemics, rifampicin, warfarin, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Sleep disturbance, cold feet and hands, slow heartbeat, fatigue on exercise, wheeziness, heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders; dry eyes or skin rash (stop use gradually), hair loss, low blood pressure, thrombocytnpenie (abnormal decline in blood platelets).

Manufacturer

Lederle.