What is Sectral?
Sectral is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers.
Beta blockers work by blocking the action of certain hormones that tighten the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Health Benefits
Sectral is used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Sectral include:
tiredness
dizziness
lightheadedness
nausea
Less common side effects include:
constipation
diarrhea
dry mouth
rare side effects include:
depression
impotence
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of Sectral is 100 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your response to the medication.
Take Sectral exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
To prevent heart attacks and strokes, the recommended dose of Sectral is 160 mg once daily.
Sectral is usually taken with or without food. If you take Sectral with food, try to take it at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
Interactions
Sectral can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs, herbs, and vitamins you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
Possible Sectral drug interactions include:
ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril (Zestril), benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), and ramipril (Altace)
angiotensin receptor blockers such as candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Tevetan), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan)
calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac, others), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (DynaCirc CR), nicardipine (Cardene SR), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Covera HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan)
digoxin (Lanoxin)
diuretics (‘water pills’) such as bumetanide (Bumex), chlorothiazide (Diuril), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Microzide), indapamide (LOZOL), metolazone ( Zaroxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactone), torsemide (Demadex), and others
lithium (Lithobid)
potassium supplements
steroids such as prednisone (Rayos) and others
This is not a complete list of Sectral drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Mechanism of Action
Sectral works by blocking the action of certain hormones that tighten the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
Pharmacokinetics
Sectral is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak concentrations in about 1 hour. The bioavailability of Sectral is about 50%.
Sectral is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Half-Life
The half-life of Sectral is about 3 hours.
Alternatives to Sectral
Alternatives to Sectral include other blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to Sectral, consider herbs and supplements such as hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) and magnesium.
Before taking any new medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
