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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide

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Oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide

  • Oxprenolol with cyclopenthiazide tablets are taken once each day, usually in the morning.
  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or suck them.
  • You should not suddenly stop taking these tablets unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

About oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide

Type of medicineCombination of a beta-blocker and a diuretic
Used forHigh blood pressure
Also calledCo-prenozide
Trasidrex®
Available asModified release tablets

Oxprenolol belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-blockers. It works by slowing down the activity of your heart which decreases your blood pressure. Trasidrex® tablets slowly release the oxprenolol from the tablets into your body - this gives a more even effect.

Cyclopenthiazide is a diuretic (sometimes called a 'water tablet') and works on your kidneys to remove excess water from your body.

Together, oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide work to reduce high blood pressure.

Before taking oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide

Before taking oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or any other breathing problems.
  • If you have diabetes, gout or systemic lupus erythematosus (also known as lupus or SLE).
  • If you have heart problems or poor circulation.
  • If you have liver, kidney or thyroid problems.
  • If you know you have low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood, or high levels of calcium.
  • If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness), Prinzmetal's angina, Addison's disease or phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • If you have psoriasis (a skin condition).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take these tablets exactly as your doctor has told you. The usual dose is one tablet a day, although this may be increased to two tablets a day as your progress is checked.
  • The tablets should be swallowed whole with plenty of water, and should not be crushed or chewed.
  • It is not important whether you take your doses before or after food.
  • Try to take your doses at the same time each day to avoid missing any. It is preferable to take your dose in the morning because these tablets may make you want to go to the toilet more often.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the afternoon, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual time the next day. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Diuretics like cyclopenthiazide help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated leaving you feeling thirsty, your mouth dry, and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
  • It is important to follow any dietary advice that you have been given by your doctor or nurse.
  • Many patients with high blood pressure do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels, resulting in a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. Do not stop taking these tablets without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide.
  • If you have diabetes, these tablets may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any changes.
  • Before buying any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside these.

Can oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Dizziness, tirednessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Light-headedness, particularly when standing upGetting up more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit or lay down until the feeling passes
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sweets
ConstipationEat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Feeling sick, loss of appetite, windEat little and often. Stick to simple or bland foods, avoid rich and spicy foods
Mood changes, difficulty sleeping, skin rash, changes in sexual desireIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store oxprenolol and cyclopenthiazide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Trasidrex® Tablets, Goldshield plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 1466DocRef: dils2638Last Reviewed: 10 Mar 2011Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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