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Sectral |
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What is Sectral and why is it prescribed? Sectral is a type of medication known as a beta blocker and is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. When used to treat high blood pressure, Sectral is effective used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications, particularly with a thiazide-type diuretic. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, thus reducing pressure within the circulatory system. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Sectral regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Sectral. You must continue taking Sectral even if you are feeling well. Sectral does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Sectral? Follow your doctors directions for taking Sectral. Sectral can be taken with or without food. Take Sectral exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If Sectral is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it's within four hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Sectral at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed and protected from light. Are there any Sectral side effects? Sectral side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Sectral side effects may include abnormal vision, chest pain, constipation, cough, decreased sexual ability, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, gas, headache, indigestion, joint pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, strange dreams, swelling due to fluid retention, trouble sleeping, and weakness. Less common or rare Sectral side effects may include abdominal pain, anxiety, back pain, burning eyes, cold hands and feet, conjunctivitis, dark urine, excessive urination at night, eye pain, fever, heart failure, impotence, itching, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, muscle pain, nervousness, painful or difficult urination, rash, slow heartbeat, throat inflammation, vomiting, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Sectral? If Sectral is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sectral with Albuterol (the airway-opening drug Ventolin), Certain blood pressure medicines such as reserpine (Diupres), Certain over-the-counter cold remedies and nasal drops (such as Afrin, Neo-Synephrine, and Sudafed), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin and Voltaren), or Oral diabetes drugs (such as Micronase). Are there any special warnings about Sectral? If you have had severe congestive heart failure in the past, Sectral should be used with caution. Sectral should not be stopped suddenly. This can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced. If you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies, other bronchial conditions, coronary artery disease, or kidney or liver disease, this medication should be used with caution. Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Sectral. Sectral can cause your heartbeat to become too slow. Sectral may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, discuss this with your doctor. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Sectral if you have a medical emergency, or before you have any surgery. Tell your doctor if you are taking over-the-counter cold medications and nasal drops. They may interact with Sectral. If you experience difficulty breathing, or develop hives or large areas of swelling, seek medical attention immediately. You may be having a serious allergic reaction to the medicine. Sectral can also make other severe allergies worse. |
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