Starcad B 25

STARCAD B 25 by LUPIN LTD: Product Description

Name

• Brand Name: STARCAD B 25, STARCAD-B 25 TABLET, Starcad-Beta 25Mg Tablet Er
• Common Name (Active Ingredient): Metoprolol

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Metoprolol (specifically S-Metoprolol Succinate 23.75mg, equivalent to Metoprolol 25mg)

Uses

STARCAD B 25 is a beta-blocker primarily used for various cardiovascular conditions. It works by reducing the heart rate and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing the heart's workload. It is prescribed for:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): To help manage and control elevated blood pressure.
• Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain): To treat chest pain caused when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood.
• Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat): To regulate irregular heart rhythms.
• Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke: Helps in preventing future cardiac events.
• Migraine Prevention: Used for the prophylaxis of migraines.
• Hyperthyroidism: To relieve symptoms caused by an overactive thyroid gland.

Dosage and Administration

STARCAD B 25 should be taken orally, typically with food or immediately after food. It is important to take the medicine regularly at the same time each day for optimal benefit.

• General Guidance: Dosage and frequency depend on the condition being treated and its severity, and should be determined by a doctor.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen your condition or lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects

Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision
  • Fatigue, unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension), especially when standing up
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion, depression, abnormal dreams, sleeplessness
  • Cold extremities
  • Decreased sexual urge
• Serious Side Effects: May include severe bradycardia, heart conduction problems (like AV block), severe heart failure, bronchospasm, CNS toxicity, hypoglycemia, and hyperkalemia.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Do not take if you are allergic to Metoprolol, have severe heart block (second or third-degree), severe bradycardia, uncontrolled heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, Prinzmetal's angina, reduced blood supply to your limbs (peripheral arterial disease), or severe asthma/COPD.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions such as kidney or liver diseases, diabetes (Metoprolol can mask symptoms of low blood sugar), thyroid disorders, severe circulation problems, or very low blood pressure.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary, and close monitoring of the infant may be required if used during breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can intensify side effects like dizziness and lower blood pressure.
• Driving and Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as STARCAD B 25 can interact with various medicines like NSAIDs, digitalis glycosides, alpha-agonist hypotensive medicines, and antidiabetic drugs.

Storage

• Store STARCAD B 25 below 30°C.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Ensure it is kept out of reach of children.
• Do not use the medicine past its expiry date.

STARCAD B 25 by LUPIN LTD (containing Metoprolol) is a medication primarily used to treat various heart and circulatory conditions. Here are some frequently asked questions about this medicine:

What is STARCAD B 25 used for?

STARCAD B 25 is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart-related chest pain (angina pectoris), and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia). It is also prescribed to prevent future heart attacks and strokes, manage symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), and can be used for migraine prevention.

How does STARCAD B 25 work?

STARCAD B 25 contains Metoprolol, which belongs to a class of medicines called beta-blockers. It works by blocking the beta receptor sites in the heart, blood vessels, and lungs, which inhibits the action of certain natural chemicals in the body like epinephrine (adrenaline) and noradrenaline. This action slows down the heart rate, makes the heart pump blood more efficiently, relaxes blood vessels, and reduces blood pressure, thereby easing the heart's workload and improving blood flow.

What is the usual dosage of STARCAD B 25?

The dosage of STARCAD B 25 can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how well the patient responds to the medicine. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually at the same time each day, and can be taken with or without food. It is crucial not to increase or adjust the dosage without consulting your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of STARCAD B 25?

Common side effects may include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, slow heart rate (bradycardia), nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and coldness in the extremities. If these side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor. More severe, though less common, side effects could include shortness of breath, blurred vision, or confusion.

Is STARCAD B 25 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

STARCAD B 25 is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, and caution is advised. Metoprolol can cross the placenta and may cause fetal abnormalities. For breastfeeding mothers, it is probably unsafe as the medicine may pass into breast milk. Always consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can STARCAD B 25 be taken with other medications?

STARCAD B 25 can interact with several other medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Specific interactions can occur with other beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine), antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone, propafenone), digoxin, clonidine, insulin and oral antidiabetic medicines, and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Your doctor may need to adjust dosages or monitor you closely for side effects.

What precautions should be taken while taking STARCAD B 25?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking STARCAD B 25 as it can intensify side effects like dizziness and lower blood pressure. Since it may cause dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Do not stop taking STARCAD B 25 abruptly without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can worsen your condition, lead to changes in heart rhythm and blood pressure, or even cause a heart attack. Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing conditions like liver or kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, severe circulation problems, or a slow heart rate.

What happens if a dose of STARCAD B 25 is missed?

If you miss a dose of STARCAD B 25, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one, as this may lead to complications.

How should STARCAD B 25 be stored?

STARCAD B 25 should be stored in a cool, dry place, typically below 30°C. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine past its expiry date.