Trasidrex

What is it?

A non-cardioselective 8blocker and thiazide, available as sugar-coated, red tablets containing 160mg of oxprenolol hydrochloride in a sustained-release core and 0.25mg of cycIopenthiazide in a red outer coat. The tablet is marked NOVARIIS and TRASIDREX.

Medical Uses

High blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults, start with 1 tablet each morning increasing to 2 each day after 1 week, if necessary.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients with weak hearts should receive digitalis and diuretics, history of bronchospasm, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, raised blood lipid levels, gout, weakness, insufficient cerebral blood supply, tendency to allergy. Persons undergoing general anaesthesia, may require drug to be withdrawn before planned surgery. Electrolyte levels should be monitored. Drug should be gradually withdrawn.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with obstructive airways disease or history of bronchospasm (asthma), various heart disorders including heart block, heart shock, heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, serious peripheral arterial disease, sinus bradycardia, Prinz- metal's angina, low blood pressure, severe heart muscle disease, uncompensated heart failure. Also, untreated tumour of adrenal gland (phaeochromoeytoma), failure of right ventricle secondary to pulmonary hypertension, severe or progressive kidney failure, anuria.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressant anaesthetics, antihypertensives, ergot alkaloids, ibuprofen, sympathomimetics, verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, central nervous system depressants, class I antiarrhythmic drugs, diltiazem, cimetidine, reserpine. Also, indomethacin, theophylline, class II calcium antagonists, hypoglycaemics, lithium, warfarin, digitalis, rifampicin. Also, amantadine, NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, allopurinol.

Known Side Effects

Bradycardia, fatigue on exercise, cold hands and feet, disturbance of sleep, gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure, bronchospasm, heart failure, blood changes, baldness, thrombocytopenia (low levels of blood platelets), blood changes, sensitivity to light, gout. Withdraw drug gradually if skin rash or dry eyes occur.