Celiprolol tablets

About celiprolol

People with high blood pressure (hypertension) often do not feel unwell, but if left untreated, high blood pressure can harm your heart and damage blood vessels. This damage can then later lead to a heart attack or stroke. Taking a medicine to reduce high blood pressure reduces the risk of this happening.

Celiprolol belongs to the group of medicines referred to as beta-blockers. It is a medicine which works on the heart and blood vessels. It does this by blocking tiny areas (called beta-adrenergic receptors) where messages sent by some nerves are received by your heart and blood vessels. As a result, your heart beats more slowly and with less force. It also widens (relaxes) some blood vessels. These two things help to reduce your blood pressure.

Before taking celiprolol

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking celiprolol it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have asthma or any other breathing disorder.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have low blood pressure or poor circulation.

• If you have diabetes (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have a skin problem called psoriasis.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you have been told you have a slow heartbeat or heart block (a slow and irregular heartbeat).

• If you have been told you have chest pain caused by spasms of your heart's blood vessels, called Prinzmetal's angina.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever had any other serious allergic reaction.

How to take celiprolol

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about celiprolol and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take celiprolol exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are two strengths of tablet - 200 mg and 400 mg. It is usual to start by taking one 200 mg tablet daily, although your doctor may later increase this to the 400 mg strength tablet. You should take the tablet first thing in the morning, preferably 'on an empty stomach'. This means that you should take the tablet at least 30 minutes before you have breakfast, or wait until two hours after you have eaten. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember (without food if possible). If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Your doctor is likely to give you dietary and lifestyle advice about eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and taking regular exercise. If so, it is important that you follow the advice you are given.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice about taking celiprolol and alcohol. Alcohol will add to the blood pressure-lowering effect of celiprolol which will make you feel dizzy and so may not be recommended for you.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with celiprolol. Some medicines may not be (including some anti-inflammatory painkillers, and cold or flu remedies).

• If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, it is important to tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking a beta-blocker. This is particularly important if you are likely to be given an anaesthetic.

• If you have diabetes, celiprolol can block the symptoms of low blood sugar. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• Treatment with celiprolol is usually long-term. Continue to take the tablets unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems in some people, so your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.

Can celiprolol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with celiprolol. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store celiprolol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines