Trasicor

What is it?

A non-cardioselective β-blocker available as film-coated tablets in 3 strengths containing oxprenolol hydrochloride. White, contain 20 and 40mg; yellow, contain 80mg; all marked with strength, CIBA and name.

Medical Uses

Heart arrhythmixs, angina, high blood pressure, anxiety.

Dosage

Adults, arrhythmins, 40 to 240mg 2 or 3 times each day; angina and high blood pressure, 80 to 160mg in 2 to 3 divided doses daily to a maximum of 320mg; anxiety, 40 to 80mg each day in 1 to 2 divided doses.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, 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, rifampicin, 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).