Slow-Trasicor

What is it?

A non-cardioselective IIblocker available as film-coated, sustained-release, white tablets containing 160mg of oxprenolol hydrochloride, all marked with maker's name and tablet name.

Medical Uses

Angina, high blood pressure.

Dosage

1 tablet at start, increasing to 2, if needed taken in the morning. In nocturnal angina, an evening dose may be needed and if blood pressure is not controlled for 24 hours on single daily dose, a second dose may Also, be required.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, poor cerebral blood supply, history of bronchospasm, 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, rifamoicin, warfarin, ibuprofen.

Known Side Effects

Sleep disturbance, cold feet and hands, slow heartbeat, fatigue on exercise, wheeziness, heart failure, gastro-intestinal disorders; dry eyes or skin rash (stop use gradually), hair loss, low blood pressure, thrombocytopenia (abnormal decline in blood platelets causing increased likelihood of bleeding). .

Manufacturer

Novartis.