Oxprenolol

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Oxprenolol

Oxprenolol is a beta blocker used in the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. It was first synthesized in the 1960s by the British pharmaceutical company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) and is marketed under various brand names including Trasicor, Coretal, Laracor, Slow-Pren, Captol, Corbeton, Slow-Trasicor, Tevacor, and Trasitensin.

Pharmacology

Oxprenolol is a non-selective beta blocker with partial agonist activity. It works by blocking the action of epinephrine and norepinephrine on the beta receptors, thereby decreasing the heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure. Its partial agonist activity means that it also has some intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, which means it can stimulate the beta receptors to a lesser extent than full agonists, reducing the risk of bradycardia and heart block.

Clinical Use

Oxprenolol is used in the management of hypertension and angina pectoris. It is also used off-label for the treatment of anxiety and migraine prevention. It is usually administered orally, but can also be given intravenously in emergency situations.

Side Effects

Common side effects of oxprenolol include fatigue, dizziness, and cold extremities. Less common side effects include depression, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. As with all beta blockers, abrupt withdrawal can lead to a "rebound" effect, which can precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias, hypertension, or myocardial infarction.

Contraindications

Oxprenolol is contraindicated in patients with asthma, severe bradycardia, second or third degree heart block, overt cardiac failure, and cardiogenic shock. It should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and myasthenia gravis.

Interactions

Oxprenolol can interact with a number of other medications, including other beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. It can also interact with non-prescription drugs such as decongestants and diet pills.

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