Blocadren®

(timolol maleate, MSD)

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START TO TAKE YOUR TABLETS.

Keep this leaflet. You may want to read it again.

What is in your tablets?

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in your tablets is timolol maleate. Blocadren is available as blue, half-scored tablets containing 10 mg of timolol maleate EP.

Other ingredients

Microcrystalline cellulose, EP, pregelatinised maize starch BP, magnesium stearate EP, indigo carmine E 132. Blocadren Tablets are available in bottles of 100

tablets.

How do your tablets work?

The active ingredient in your tablets is timolol maleate. This belongs to a group of medicines known as beta-adrenergic-receptor blockers, or beta-blockers. These medicines work by blocking the effect of normal body chemicals, such as adrenaline, which may abnormally increase heart rate and activity and raise blood pressure. Timolol maleate reduces heart rate and activity, and lowers blood pressure. Beta-blockers are also useful in preventing migraine headaches.

Who makes your tablets?

Your tablets are made by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Shotton Lane, Cramlington, Northumberland, for Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, Hertford Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK, who hold the Product Licence in the UK and the Product Authorisation in Ireland.

Why do you need to take these tablets?

Your doctor has probably prescribed Blocadren for you for one of the following reasons, which he will have explained to you:

  • your blood pressure is too high
  • you suffer from angina (pain in the chest due to an inadequate supply of blood to the heart)
  • you have had a heart attack which caused damage to the heart muscle; long-term treatment with beta-blockers may reduce the risk of further damage to the heart muscle and help prevent another heart attack.
  • you suffer from migraine; beta-blockers are used to help prevent migraine.

Are there patients who should not take these tablets?

Yes, do not take the tablets if:

  • you are or think you may be pregnant
  • you are planning to become pregnant
  • you are breast-feeding
  • you have had a bad reaction (including allergic reactions) to this or similar medicines, or to any of the ingredients in the past
  • you suffer from asthma/lung disease
  • your doctor has told you that you have a condition known as heart block, heart failure or enlarged heart, which may have the following symptoms: tiredness after light exercise, breathlessness, and swelling of your ankles and legs.

Blocadren should not be given to children.

If you think any of these apply to you, do not take the

tablets, go and talk to your doctor first and follow his advice .

What else should you know before taking your tablets?

You should check with your doctor before taking Blocadren if:

  • you are diabetic and are taking insulin or medicine to reduce your blood-sugar levels, or you have been diagnosed as having hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
  • you have hyperthyroidism (over functioning of the thyroid gland)
  • you have a heart problem
  • you have had a stroke or are prone to dizzy spells
  • you have liver disease
  • you have kidney problems or are undergoing dialysis
  • you suffer from muscle weakness
  • you have visual disturbances.
    •

    It is important that you tell your doctor of any allergies you suffer from before taking beta-blockers.

    Before you undergo any surgery or receive anaesthesia (even at the dentist) you should make the doctor or dentist treating you aware that you are taking Blocadren.

    Can you take Blocadren with other medicines?

    There are a few other medicines which may not mix with Blocadren. Your doctor knows about these and will alter your treatment as needed. It is important that you tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, particularly those to treat high blood pressure or a heart condition (for example, digitalis, diuretics, catecholamide-depleting drugs such as reserpine or guanethidine, calcium antagonists such as verapamil). Also, tell your doctor if you are taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, possibly to treat arthritis or gout. In addition you should tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking, obtained without a doctor s prescription.

    Can you drive or operate machinery while taking Blocadren?

    Almost all patients can, but you should not perform tasks that require special attention (for example, driving an automobile or operating dangerous machinery) until you know how you tolerate your medicine.

    How should you take Blocadren?

    You must take your tablets exactly as advised by your doctor. It is important that you take Blocadren for as long as your doctor prescribes in order to keep your blood pressure and heart activity controlled.

    Important: It is dangerous to stop taking the tablets abruptly. If your treatment is to be stopped, follow your doctor's advice, as this medicine must be withdrawn gradually. Patients who are suddenly withdrawn from Blocadren may experience angina or even heart attack.

    The number of tablets you take each day will depend upon your condition. The usual dosages are as follows:

    High blood pressure: Treatment is usually started with 10 mg a day, taken as a single or a divided dose. The usual long-term dose will be decided by your doctor, depending on how you respond to this medicine. The maximum daily dose is 60 mg. If 'Blocadren' is prescribed to be taken with other drugs for high blood pressure, the dosage is usually adjusted.

    Angina: Therapy is usually started with 5 mg taken two or three times a day. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the dose gradually at intervals of at least three days between increases.

    After heart attack: The usual maintenance dose is 10 mg taken twice daily.

    Use in the elderly: Dosages may be reduced for elderly patients.

    Prevention of migraine: The usual dose is 10 to 20 mg taken once a day.

    What if you forget to take a tablet or take too many?

    If you miss a dose, just carry on with the next one as normal. Do not take an extra one to make up.

    If you take too many tablets by mistake, seek medical attention immediately.

    What unwanted effects could your tablets have?

    Like all medicines, Blocadren may occasionally cause side effects in some patients. Side effects include weakness, tiredness, chest pain, asthma, difficulty in breathing, cough, dizziness, blackouts, sleep disturbances, nightmares, impotence, cold hands or feet, numbness or discomfort in the fingers (Raynaud's phenomenon),cramp-like pain in the leg(s)and swelling.

    Other side effects are headache, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, slow heart rate, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, nervousness, lack of concentration, depression, vertigo, pins and needles, visual disturb

    ances, ringing or other noises in the ears, skin rash/ itching, sweating, difficulty in passing urine, and bruising.

    Beta-blockers may cause high blood sugar and low blood sugar.

    If you notice any of the above effects, or you have any other unusual symptoms or feelings, contact your doctor.

    How should your tablets be kept?

    Keep your tablets out of the reach of children.

    Keep the containers tightly closed, store in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Do not transfer the tablets into another container as they might get mixed up. If you have any tablets left over when your doctor tells you to stop taking them, then return them to the pharmacist.

    Do not take the tablets past the expiry date, which is clearly marked on the packs.

    REMEMBER, this medicine is for you. Do not share it with anyone else. It may not suit them.

    How can you obtain more information about Blocadren?

    This leaflet gives you some of the most important patient information about Blocadren. If you have any questions after you have read it, ask your doctor or pharmacist, who will give you further information.

    ® denotes registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, N.J., USA.