Phenoxybenzamine

About Phenoxybenzamine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as alpha-blockers.

Phenoxybenzamine is taken by mouth to treat high blood pressure caused by a disease called phaeochromocytoma

Phenoxybenzamine is available in tablet and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Dibenyline. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Phenoxybenzamine

Before taking phenoxybenzamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or heart disease or have ever had a stroke
• if you have suffered from a heart attack within the last 4 weeks
• if you suffer from porphyria
• 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 Phenoxybenzamine

• Take phenoxybenzamine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more then the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Phenoxybenzamine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
• Do not stop taking phenoxybenzamine without consulting your doctor first. Stopping treatment too soon is likely to cause your symptoms to return.
• If you want to purchase an 'over-the-counter' medicine, always check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take.
• You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help this problem. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting is more likely to occur if you drink alcohol, stand for a long time, exercise, or if the weather is hot. While you are taking this medicine, alcohol should only be drunk in moderation and you should be aware of its effects on you.
• Phenoxybenzamine may cause you to become drowsy, dizzy or less alert than you normally are. This is most likely to happen at the start of treatment. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery or do any other job that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can Phenoxybenzamine cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Racing heartbeat, dizziness, tiredness, a stuffy nose, problems with eyesight, sexual problems, feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Phenoxybenzamine

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children. or speak to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 17/09/2002