CARTROL

Drug Name: CARTROL

CARTROL DESCRIPTION:
BETA BLOCKERS - ORAL

COMMON CARTROL BRAND NAME(S):
Blocadren, Corgard, Lopressor, Sectral, Tenormin, Visken

CARTROL SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because beta-blockers reduce blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be more susceptible to the cold. Dress warm. Inform your doctor if you develop: easy bruising or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion, depression, a sore throat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CARTROL:
CARTROL: Take CARTROL exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not suddenly stop taking CARTROL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

CARTROL WARNING:
If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using CARTROL without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop CARTROL gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

CARTROL USES:
CARTROL is used for chest pain (angina), high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.

CARTROL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking CARTROL, tell your doctor if you have a history of: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, any other lung disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid gland, any drug allergies. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker. CARTROL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. CARTROL is excreted into breast milk and though no problems have been noted, the possibility for adverse effects to the infant exists. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CARTROL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: diuretics, cold preparations and nasal decongestants, reserpine, other heart or high blood pressure medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CARTROL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include usually fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, slow or shallow breathing, seizures, unconsciousness, weakness, or fatigue.

CARTROL NOTES:
Your doctor may want you to take your pulse each day while you take CARTROL. Learn how to monitor your pulse.

MISSED CARTROL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered but not if it is within 4 hours of next dose (8 hours for penbutolol, atenolol, nadolol). If it is, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CARTROL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.