Celipress

Indications

Celiprolol is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to prevent chest pain caused by angina (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle).

How It Works

Celiprolol mainly blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, which slows the heart rate and reduces the force of each beat, so the heart needs less oxygen and blood pressure falls. Unlike many beta blockers, it also gently stimulates beta-2 receptors, which helps blood vessels relax.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 200 mg once daily, which the doctor may raise to 400 mg once daily if needed. Take it on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast, with water. Do not take it with orange juice or grapefruit juice, as these can sharply reduce how much of the medicine is absorbed. Do not stop suddenly; your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.

Interactions

• Verapamil or Diltiazem: risk of very slow heart rate and heart block.
• Other blood pressure medicines: stronger lowering of blood pressure.
• Clonidine: if both are stopped, stop Celiprolol first to avoid a rebound rise in blood pressure.
• Antiarrhythmic medicines such as Amiodarone: added effects on heart rhythm.
• Insulin and diabetes tablets: warning signs of low blood sugar, such as a fast heartbeat, may be hidden.
• NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen: may weaken the blood pressure effect.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Celiprolol.
• Very slow heart rate, second or third degree heart block or sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker.
• Uncontrolled heart failure or cardiogenic shock.
• Untreated phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland).
• Severe kidney impairment.
• Severe asthma or severe chronic obstructive lung disease.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, sleep problems and cold hands or feet. Less often there may be a slow pulse, low blood pressure on standing, skin rash or breathing difficulty in people with asthma.

Get urgent medical help if you have wheezing or difficulty breathing, fainting, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the legs with breathlessness, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if your doctor decides it is clearly needed, as beta blockers can slow the baby's growth and heart rate. It is not recommended during breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Precautions and Warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have asthma, lung disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, psoriasis, poor circulation or a history of severe allergic reactions.
• Stopping suddenly can worsen angina or trigger a heart attack.
• Tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you take a beta blocker before any operation.
• It may cause dizziness; take care when driving.

Overdose

An overdose can cause a very slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, heart failure or fits. Seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Cardioselective beta blocker (antihypertensive and antianginal).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.