While Taking This Drug, Observe the Following. Foods: No restrictions.

Foods: No restrictions.

Nutritional Support: Take 50 mg of vitamin С (ascorbic acid) daily.

Beverages: No restrictions. May be taken with milk.

> Alcohol: Use with caution. The irritant action of alcohol on the stomach

lining, added to the irritant action of this drug in sensitive individuals, can increase the risk of stomach ulceration and/or bleeding. Tobacco Smoking: No interactions expected.

> Other Drugs

Indomethacin may increase the effects of

• acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.), and increase the risk of kidney damage;
avoid prolonged use of this combination.

• anticoagulants (Coumadin, etc.), and increase the risk of bleeding;
monitor prothrombin time, adjust dose accordingly.

• lithium, and cause lithium toxicity.
Indomethacin may decrease the effects of

• beta blocker drugs (see Drug Class, Section Four), and reduce their
antihypertensive effectiveness.

• bumetanide (Bumex).

• captopril (Capoten).

• ethacrynic acid (Edecrin).

• furosemide (Lasix).

Indomethacin taken concurrently with the following drugs may in­crease the risk of bleeding; avoid these combinations: aspirin.

diflunisal (Dolobid). dipyridamole (Persantine). sulfinpyrazone (Anturane). valproic acid (Depakene).

Driving, Hazardous Activities: This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired vision. Restrict activities as necessary.

Aviation Note: The use of this drug may be a disqualification for piloting. Consult a designated Aviation Medical Examiner.

Exposure to Sun: No restrictions.

TEXT 12. Read the following text and choose the abstract about advisability of use if breast-feeding.

BETAXOLOL

(be TAX oh lohl)

Introduced: 1983

Class: Antihypertensive, beta-adrenergic blocker

Prescription: USA: Yes

Controlled Drug: USA: No

Available as Generic: No Brand Names: Betoptic, Kerlone

Principal Uses

As a Single Drug Product: Used primarily to treat (1) mild to moderately severe high blood pressure; (2) chronic open-angle glaucoma (eye drops). May be used alone or concurrently with other antihypertensive drugs, such as diuretics.

How This Drug Works: By blocking certain actions of the sympathetic nervous system, this drug

• reduces the rate and contraction force of the heart, thus lowering the
ejection pressure of the blood leaving the heart and reducing the oxygen requirement for heart function.

• reduces the degree of contraction of blood vessel walls, resulting in
their relaxation and expansion and consequent lowering of blood pressure.

• reduces the internal pressure of the eye.