Nebilet

Beta-blockers work by blocking beta receptors that are found in various parts of the body. Blocking beta receptors prevents the action of two chemicals, called noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are produced naturally by the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals, because they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.

Beta receptors are found in the heart. When they are blocked by nebivolol, this reduces the effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the heart. As a result, the heart beats more slowly and with less force. This reduces the pressure at which the blood is pumped out of the heart and around the body, which in turn reduces the blood pressure. Nebivolol also widens the blood vessels, which lowers the resistance in the blood vessels and also helps to lower the blood pressure. Due to these actions, nebivolol is used mainly to treat high blood pressure.

Both the actions described above also decrease the effort that the heart needs to make to pump blood around the body. This means that nebivolol can also be used to treat chronic heart failure, where the pumping action of the heart has become less effective. When starting treatment for heart failure, your dose will be increased gradually every one to two weeks. You will need to be monitored by your doctor for two hours when you start treatment and every time your dose is increased.

What is it used for?

- High blood pressure with no known cause
- Chronic, stable, mild to moderate heart failure in addition to standard medicines, in people aged 70 years or over

Warning!

- You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly, particularly if you have ischaemic heart disease (inadequate flow of blood to the heart, eg angina). When treatment with this medicine is stopped it should be done gradually, usually over one to two weeks, following the instructions given by your doctor.
- This medicine may occasionally cause fatigue and dizziness. You should take care when performing potentially hazardous activites, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you and are sure you can perform such activities safely.
- This medicine may mask some of the warning symptoms of low blood sugar, such as increased heart rate, tremor and nausea. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar while taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

- Elderly people
- Decreased kidney function
- Slowed conduction of electrical messages between the chambers of the heart (1st degree heart block)
- A severe form of angina pectoris in which chest pain occurs without exertion (Prinzmetal's angina)
- Problems with blood circulation in the extremities (peripheral vascular disease such as Raynaud's syndrome or intermittant claudication)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- History of psoriasis
- History of allergies

Not to be used in

- Decreased liver function
- Acute heart failure
- Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)
- A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)
- Serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways (2nd or 3rd degree heart block), unless an artificial pacemaker is fitted
- Slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Severe blood circulation problems in the extremities (eg peripheral vascular disease)
- History of asthma
- History of breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
- Untreated tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
- Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- This medicine is not recommended for children or adolescents.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should not be used during pregnancy, as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine may pass into breast milk. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

© Copyright 1998 - 2008 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved