This medicine is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure or certain types of irregular heartbeat. It is used in patients with angina to decrease angina frequency and increase exercise tolerance. It is used to decrease the risk of heart death in certain patients who have survived a heart attack. It is used to manage certain types of tremors, a heart condition called hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, or certain symptoms of pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor). It is also used to prevent migraine headaches. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth. Talk with your doctor about how you should take this medicine with regard to food. Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure this dose. IF YOU ARE TAKING AN ANTACID WITH ALUMINUM IN IT, take it at least 2 hours after you take this medicine. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or change your dose without checking with your doctor. When taking this medicine for high blood pressure, it may take a few days to several weeks to receive the full benefits from this medicine. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE. You may have an increased risk of side effects. If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose. STORE THIS MEDICINE between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
WARNING: DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING this medicine. Sharp chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and sometimes heart attack may occur if you suddenly stop this medicine. The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. Your doctor should slowly lower your dose over several weeks if you need to stop taking it. This should be done even if you only take this medicine for high blood pressure. Heart disease is common and you may not know you have it. Limit physical activity while you are lowering your dose. If new or worsened chest pain or other heart problems occur, contact your doctor right away. You may need to start taking this medicine again. Some medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking mibefradil. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking diphenhydramine, or other prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, inflammation, aches and pains, high blood pressure, heart problems, irregular heartbeat, diabetes, prostate problems, blood thinning, thyroid problems, depression, mental or mood problems, immune system suppression, allergic reactions, asthma or other lung or breathing problems, high cholesterol, seizures, multiple sclerosis), multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements (eg, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Down syndrome, Raynaud syndrome, an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of other heart problems (eg, angina, congestive heart failure, slow heartbeat), liver or kidney problems, blood vessel disease, lung or breathing problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / COPD, emphysema), diabetes, low blood sugar, overactive thyroid, or glaucoma. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol, or if you are scheduled to have surgery or receive anesthesia. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have moderate to severe heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or a very slow heartbeat and you do not have a permanent pacemaker. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have uncontrolled heart failure, shock caused by serious heart problems, or asthma. Use of this medicine in CHILDREN with diabetes or heart failure is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; light-headedness; nausea; stomach upset or cramping; trouble sleeping; vomiting; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; confusion; fainting; fever with aching and sore throat; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; memory loss; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); numbness or tingling of the hands; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness or light-headedness; shortness of breath or wheezing; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusually slow heartbeat; very cold or blue fingers or toes; or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting; severe dizziness or light-headedness; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; trouble breathing; or very slow heart rate.
Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal". Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.