Nebivolol: The following warnings and precautions apply to beta-adrenergic antagonists in general.
Anaesthesia: Continuation of beta-blockade reduces the risk of arrhythmias during induction and intubation. If beta-blockade is interrupted in preparation for surgery, the beta-adrenergic antagonist should be discontinued at least 24 hours beforehand.
Caution should be observed with certain anaesthetics that cause myocardial depression. The patient can be protected against vagal reactions by intravenous administration of atropine.
Cardiovascular: In general, beta-adrenergic antagonists should not be used in patients with untreated congestive heart failure (CHF), unless their condition has been stabilised.
In patients with ischaemic heart disease, treatment with a beta-adrenergic antagonist should be discontinued gradually, i.e. over 1-2 weeks. If necessary, replacement therapy should be initiated at the same time, to prevent exacerbation of angina pectoris.
Beta-adrenergic antagonists may induce bradycardia: if the pulse rate drops below 50-55 bpm at rest and/or the patient experiences symptoms that are suggestive of bradycardia, the dosage should be reduced.
Beta-adrenergic antagonists should be used with caution: in patients with peripheral circulatory disorders (Raynaud's disease or syndrome, intermittent claudication), as aggravation of these disorders may occur; in patients with first degree heart block, because of the negative effect of beta-blockers on conduction time; in patients with Prinzmetal's angina due to unopposed alpha receptor mediated coronary artery vasoconstriction: beta-adrenergic antagonists may increase the number and duration of anginal attacks.
Combination of nebivolol with calcium channel antagonists of the verapamil and diltiazem type, with Class I antiarrhythmic drugs, and with centrally acting antihypertensive drugs is generally not recommended.
Metabolic/Endocrinological: Nebivolol does not affect glucose levels in diabetic patients. Care should be taken in diabetic patients however, as nebivolol may mask certain symptoms of hypoglycaemia (tachycardia, palpitations).
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents may mask tachycardic symptoms in hyperthyroidism. Abrupt withdrawal may intensify symptoms.
Respiratory: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, beta-adrenergic antagonists should be used with caution as airway constriction may be aggravated.
Other: Patients with a history of psoriasis should take beta-adrenergic antagonists only after careful consideration.
Beta-adrenergic antagonists may increase the sensitivity to allergens and the severity of anaphylactic reactions.
Amlodipine: The safety and efficacy of amlodipine in hypertensive crisis has not been established.
Use in patients with heart failure: Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, as they may increase the risk of future cardiovascular events and mortality.
Use in patients with impaired hepatic function: As with all calcium antagonists, amlodipine's half-life is prolonged and AUC values are higher in patients with impaired liver function and dosage recommendations have not been established. The drug should therefore be administered with caution in these patients.
Amlodipine should therefore be initiated at the lower end of the dosing range and caution should be used, both on initial treatment and when increasing the dose. Slow dose titration and careful monitoring may be required in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
There are no data to support the use of amlodipine alone, during or within one month of a myocardial infarction.
Patients with renal impairment: Amlodipine may be used in such patients at normal doses. Changes in amlodipine plasma concentrations are not correlated with degree of renal impairment. Amlodipine is not dialysable.
There are no data to support the use of amlodipine alone, during or within one month of a myocardial infarction.
Use in the Elderly: In the elderly, increase of the dosage should take place with care.
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