Brand name:

Zebeta

Why is Zebeta prescribed?

Zebeta, a type of medication known as a beta-blocker, is used to treat high blood pressure. Beta-blockers lower blood pressure by decreasing the force and rate of heart contractions, which reduces the heart's demand for oxygen. Zebeta can be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications.

Most important fact about Zebeta

Zebeta does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control. Therefore, you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Do not stop taking Zebeta unless instructed to do so by your doctor. This is especially important if you have coronary artery disease. Abruptly stopping Zebeta could cause chest pain, heart rhythm problems, and even heart attack.

How should you take Zebeta?

Take Zebeta exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If Zebeta is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container and protect from moisture.

Zebeta side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Zebeta.

• Side effects may include:
  Diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, runny nose, swelling, upper respiratory infection

Why should Zebeta not be prescribed?

Do not take Zebeta if you have inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system (cardiogenic shock), certain types of irregular heartbeat, a slow heartbeat, or severe congestive heart failure

Special warnings about Zebeta

Do not suddenly stop taking Zebeta (see "Most important fact about Zebeta"). Use Zebeta cautiously if you have a history of congestive heart failure, and call your doctor immediately if you develop breathing problems or an extremely slow heartbeat while taking Zebeta.

If you suffer from asthma or other bronchial conditions, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or kidney or liver disease, Zebeta should be used with caution.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Zebeta if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.

Zebeta causes some people to become drowsy or less alert. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity until you know how the drug affects you.

This medication may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. In addition, diabetics who experience a severe drop in blood sugar after taking insulin may suffer a spike in blood pressure if they are also taking Zebeta.

Zebeta could mask symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Abruptly stopping the drug could make the condition worse.

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions that have required epinephrine, you should be aware that Zebeta may make your system unresponsive to the usual effective dose of epinephrine.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zebeta

If Zebeta is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor when combining Zebeta with the following:

Other beta-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Calan and Cardizem
Clonidine (Catapres)
Disopyramide (Norpace) and similar drugs used to treat irregular heartbeat
Epinephrine (EpiPen)
Guanethidine (Ismelin)
Reserpine
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Zebeta during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Zebeta should be used only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

In animal studies, Zebeta has appeared in breast milk. It is not known if the drug appears in human milk. If Zebeta is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Zebeta is finished.

Recommended dosage for Zebeta

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Zebeta, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Zebeta overdose may include:
  Congestive heart failure (marked by sudden weight gain, swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles, fatigue, and shortness of breath), difficult or labored breathing, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, slow heartbeat