Zebeta
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zebeta
Zebeta belongs to beta-adrenergic blocking agents. Zebeta acts by blocking the action of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors of the heart. Zebeta also reduces the force of contraction of the heart and which helps in lowering blood pressure. Zebeta and other beta-adrenergic blocking agents reduce the need for oxygen of heart by reducing the heart rate and the force of heart muscle contraction. Since angina (heart pain) occurs when oxygen need exceeds supply, beta-adrenergic blocking agents are useful in treating angina because they reduce the need of oxygen of heart.
Therapeutic Uses of Zebeta
Zebeta is used for treatment high blood pressure. It may be used alone, but generally used together with other medications. It is also used in treatment of angina (heart pain).
Direction of use of Zebeta
The usual dose of Zebeta is 5 mg or 10 mg once daily although doses up to 20 mg daily can be prescribed. Patients with marked kidney, liver or lung diseases, may be given reduced dose of it (2.5 mg daily) to reduce side effects. Zebeta can be taken with food or on empty stomach.
If You Miss a Dose of Zebeta
If you miss a dose of Zebeta you should take it as soon as you remember it. If you do not remember until the next day or it is almost time for the next dose you should skip the missed dose of Zebeta and keep taking it as regular dosing schedule. You should not take 2 doses at once.
How to Store Zebeta
Zebeta should be stored at room temperature, 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in an air-tight container. Do not store it in bathroom. Store it away from heat, moisture and light. Keep Zebeta out of reach of children.
More Information About Zebeta
If you have any questions about Zebeta, please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Zebeta should be used by the patient only for whom it is prescribed. Zebeta should not be used for other medical conditions without consulting your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share it with others.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zebeta
- Before you have to undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, you should inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
- Do not stop taking Zebeta without consulting your doctor.
- Zebeta may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive and operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous and which need constant attention and monitoring until you know how you react to this medicine.
- For patients with diabetes mellitus Zebeta may mask the signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heart rate, sweating etc. and cause problem or hypoglycemia.
- If you are pregnant you should not take Zebeta. If you have plan on becoming pregnant, you need to discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zebeta
- Zebeta is generally well-tolerated, and side effects of it are mild and transient. Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, nausea, impotence, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, numbness, tingling, cold extremities, sore throat, and shortness of breath or wheezing etc. are some of the rare side effects of it.
- In patients with existing slow heart rates (bradycardias) and heart blocks (defects in electrical conduction within the heart), Zebeta can cause dangerously slow heart rates and sometimes even shock. To prevent these side effects it should be started at low dose and gradually increased to the desired dose of Zebeta.
- Zebeta can aggravate breathing difficulties in patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or emphysema.
- In patients with coronary artery disease, abruptly stopping Zebeta can suddenly worsen angina, and sometimes may even precipitate heart attacks.
- If it is necessary to discontinue Zebeta, its dosage can be reduced gradually over a few weeks.
- Zebeta can mask the early warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for diabetes.