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Oxprenolol

  • Do not stop taking these tablets without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
  • If you buy any cough or cold remedies, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take alongside oxprenolol.

About oxprenolol

Type of medicineBeta blocker
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Angina (chest pain)
Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Anxiety
Also calledTrasicor®
Slow-Trasicor® (modified release)
Trasidrex® (also known as co-prenozide, a combination of oxprenolol with cyclopenthiazide)
Available asTablets and modified release tablets

Oxprenolol belongs to the group of medicines known as beta blockers. It is used to treat a number of different problems.

High blood pressure
Oxprenolol slows down the activity of the heart, decreasing blood pressure.

Angina
Oxprenolol slows down the activity of the heart and reduces the heart's need for oxygen. This makes angina attacks less likely to occur.

Irregular heartbeat
Normally the heartbeat is regulated by special tissues which conduct electricity. Some cases of irregular heartbeat are caused by these tissues conducting electricity too quickly. Oxprenolol works by reducing over-activity in the conducting tissue.

Anxiety
Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, palpitations and trembling. Oxprenolol slows the heart rate to relieve these symptoms. It does not relieve the emotional symptoms associated with anxiety, such as stress or fear - these symptoms are treated separately.

Before taking oxprenolol

Before taking oxprenolol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver problems.
  • If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.
  • If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties.
  • If you have diabetes.
  • If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
  • If you have heart block (a slow and irregular heart beat).
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis, Prinzmetal's angina or phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • 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

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take oxprenolol exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you are taking the modified release form of oxprenolol, it is important that you swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or suck them.
  • Try to take oxprenolol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking oxprenolol.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
  • It is important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.
  • If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly as oxprenolol can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.
  • Before buying any medicines (including cough, cold and flu remedies), check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside oxprenolol.

Can oxprenolol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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
Dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness or fainting (especially when getting up from a sitting or lying down position)Getting up slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor as soon as possible
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor
Tiredness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes, and nose), disturbed sleep, or nightmaresSpeak with your doctor if you suffer from these effects

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

  • 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

  • British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3446DocRef: dils2592Last Reviewed: 15 Sep 2009Version: 23
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