Oxprenolol

Filed under: Beta Blockers

Displayed: Oxprenolol Trasicor

Oxprenolol is a non-selective beta blocker with some intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (The property of a drug that produces partial agonist effect at the receptor similar to the cholinergic stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.). It is used for the treatment of angina pectoris and abnormal heart rhythms. It is used to reduce high blood pressure (hypertension), and controls the rhythm of the heart beat if it has become irregular (Arrhythmia), it is also used to reduce palpitations and tremors caused by anxiety/tension. However, it will not relieve the emotional symptoms associated with anxiety ect, these symptoms are treated separately with relevant medication.

In common with other beta blockers oxprenolol has a number of side effects with a dry mouth and constipation being a very common complaint. (see below) Asthma sufferers and those that have breathing difficulties, chronic bronchitis sufferers and those that have emphysema should avoid this drug. It would not generally be prescribed in diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. however your doctor may feel the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are diabetic, take particular care with your blood sugar control since this medicine may make you less aware of low blood
sugar levels.

Some beta-blockers are lipid soluble (not soluble in water) and some are water soluble. Atenolol, celiprolol, nadolol, and sotalol are the most water-soluble; they are less likely to enter the brain, and may therefore cause less sleep disturbance and nightmares. Water-soluble beta-blockers are excreted by the kidneys and dosage reduction is often necessary in renal impairment.

Detailed Information

If you are taking Traidrex Tablets this link to the Patient Information Leaflet can be viewed at eMC.

Quick Guide

• Beta blocker danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription on prescription – YES.
• Available as generic – YES (a drug sold or prescribed under the non-proprietary name of its active ingredients).
• Alcohol avoidance – NO. However, avoid excessive amounts.
• Alcohol may affect you more than usual. You may feel dizzy, sleepy or very tired.
• Take Trasicor/Oxprenolol at the same times each day. This may help you to remember to take your medicine (habit forming).
• Take your Trasicor tablet whole with a drink of water.
• Trasicor 20mg and 40mg tablets contain sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
• The modified release form of oxprenolol, it is important that you swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or suck them.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed oxprenolol suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all. It does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: (May affects less than 1 in 10 people): Cold hands and feet, Hypotension fatigue, dizziness, headache, Dry mouth, constipation, mental depression.
Uncommon: (May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Sleep disturbances, nightmares, bradycardia, diarrhoea, vomiting, flatulence, allergic skin rash (e.g.eczematous inflamed skin or rashes), visual disturbances (e.g. blurred vision).
Rare: (May affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): Hallucinations, exertional tiredness, worsening of psoriasis. breathing problems.

If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, speak with your doctor immediately.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using oxprenolol. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here.

Prolonged Use

It is documented that no problems would be expected. However, It could be habit-forming. Oxprenolol should be withdrawn gradually. Stopping the drug without your doctors consent could lead to a worsening of the underlying problem.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid these kinds of activities until you know how the drug will affect you. Oxprenolol could be the cause of drowsiness, dizziness including fatigue or visual disturbances. You should also be aware excessive amounts of alcohol may increase sedative effects making driving, hazardous work and the consumption of alcohol rather dangerous.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Oxprenolol could cause the baby problems. The drug also passes into the breast milk. However, given at normal doses adverse effects are unlikely to cause a problem for the baby. You should speak with your doctor about both these very important issues. Oxprenolol should be employed with caution during pregnancy, specially in the first Trimester (3 months).

Oxprenolol is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

There is no special problems for the over 60′s, but concurrent hepatic insufficiency should be taken into account. Not recommended for infants or children.

Overdose

large overdose may cause hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycaemia, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, conduction abnormalities (first or second degree block, complete heart block, asystole), or even cardiac arrest. In addition, dyspnoea, bronchospasm, vomiting, impairment of consciousness, and also generalised convulsions may occur.if you or someone you know has taken a large overdose you should notify your doctor immediately.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Other Medication Reactions

If you are taking more than one type of medicine *(see below) it is possible that they may interact with each other. There may be times when your doctor/health care professional may decide to use medicines that interact. In another individual this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your individual circumstances. if your doctor believes that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Some problems do exist with the taking of oxprenolol. Discuss with your doctor if you are thinking of becoming pregnant, are pregnant or breast feeding. Oxprenolol may increase the adverse effects of Ergotamine. The effects of oxprenolol may be increased by Insulin and oral antidiabetic drugs. Oxprenolol blood lowering effects may be interfered with by the drugs known as corticosteroide.

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking. If you buy over the counter medicines check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Any sudden withdrawal from the drug may lead to a worsening of the symptoms. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting with your doctor first. This medication will need a slow withdrawal time period.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The effects of the drug can be felt within 1 to 2 hours. However full antihypertensive effects may take 2 to 3 weeks. The lasting effects could be between 6 to 12 hours. (for tablets, injections). 12 to 24 hours for the slow release tablets.

Safety and Storage

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take oxprenolol if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep oxprenolol in their original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects on our environment.

If oxprenolol has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Reference:

• Goldshield Group Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 14/12/2009. TRASIDREX TABLETS
• British National Formulary – 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.