"Betalok ZOK": reviews of cardiologists, description of the drug, instructions for use

This cardiologic preparation is very popular in Russian-speaking countries mainly due to its affordable price. "Betalok ZOK", reviews of cardiologists, which we will consider in our article, is actively assigned to the whole spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. But, despite the widespread use of this drug, like any medicine, Betalok ZOK has a number of contraindications and side effects. In order not to harm your health, before you start using these tablets, you should carefully study the instructions for their use.

General description of the preparation

"Betalok ZOK", the price for which differs depending on the dosage and the number of tablets in the package, is attributed to one of the types of cardioselective beta-blockers. Externally, these tablets are covered with an enteric coating. Betalok ZOK, reviews of cardiologists, whose actions are mostly positive, is a prolonged-release drug. Due to its shell, the drug has a delayed release. Moreover, it does not have sympathomimetic internal activity.

The main active ingredient of the drug is metoprolol, a substance that exerts the following effect on the body:

• Antihypertensive;
• Antianginal;
• Antiarrhythmic.

Also, this drug sufficiently effectively reduces the excitability of the myocardium, reducing its need for oxygen.

The drug "Betaloc ZOK": instructions, reviews

Concerning how to take "Betalok ZOK", the official instructions for the drug indicated the following recommendations: the medicine should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with plenty of water.

Also in the instruction it is indicated that the medicine can be drunk both after a meal and on an empty stomach. The time taken does not affect the effectiveness of the drug.

Regarding the dosage, it must necessarily be coordinated with the treating cardiologist.

In the official instructions to the drug, the principle of its action is described as follows: after taking the pill, the body is blocking small doses of beta 1-adrenergic receptors of the heart. Due to this, the heart rate is cut, the contractility of the myocardium decreases. As a consequence, the need for myocardium in oxygen decreases. As a result of this action, taking the drug, there is a decrease in tachycardia, physical performance and overall endurance increase, angina attacks decrease. Also after taking the medication, a decrease in blood pressure is observed both in a state of stress and under physical stress, and in a state of complete rest.

The claimed action is confirmed by the responses of people who take this drug. Almost all people note an improvement in overall well-being and an increase in working capacity. At the same time, in many reviews there is information that with a sharp refusal of the drug, the state of health, on the contrary, can suddenly and significantly worsen. For this reason, people who took Betalok ZOK are advised to stop taking it gradually, daily reducing the dosage.

Indications for use

Based on the considered effect of the drug on the body, he is appointed by cardiologists to receive the following pathologies of the heart rhythm:

• Sinus and supraventricular tachycardia ;
• Supraventricular as well as ventricular arrhythmias;
• Atrial tachyarrhythmia;
• Ventricular extrasystole ;
• Atrial flutter;
• Arrhythmia caused by prolapse of the mitral valve.

In addition to disorders of the heart rhythm, the drug "Betaloc ZOK", reviews of cardiologists about which do not cause concern about its effect on the body, can be prescribed for admission in the presence of such problems and diseases as:

• Unstable angina ;
• hypertensive crisis;
• Angina pectoris tension;
• cardiac ischemia;
• Acute phase with myocardial infarction;
• arterial hypertension;
• Chronic heart failure;
• Functional violations in the work of the CAS;
• Senile or essential tremor;
• With complex therapy of thyrotoxicosis;
• panic attacks.

The drug "Betaloc ZOK" can be used during complex therapy with an unreasonable state of anxiety, in cases of onset of akathisia with the administration of neuroleptics. The drug can be prescribed for the removal of migraine, as well as to reduce the manifestations of symptoms in the onset of withdrawal symptoms.

Form of issue

Betalok ZOK, reviews of cardiologists about the action of which confirm its effectiveness, is issued in the form of biconvex tablets of white color. They have an oval shape and can be engraved or incised on them. The drug is available in various dosages: there is Betalok ZOK 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Depending on the manufacturer, tablets can be sold to the end consumer both in cardboard packages and in plastic bottles.

If a dosage of 25 mg was prescribed by the doctor for admission to patients, in the absence of it in stock, you can safely buy "Betalok ZOK" 50 mg or 100 mg. These tablets can be divided in half. In this case, the prolonged action of the drug is completely preserved. But they are not strongly recommended to crush or chew.

The average cost of the drug

Betalok ZOK, the price of which depends on the number of tablets in the package and on the mark-up of the final seller, costs an average of 130 to 460 rubles. The cheapest - tablets of 25 mg, which are packed in 14 pcs. In a pack. Their price is about 130-150 rubles.

The most expensive is Betalok ZOK with a dosage of 100 mg, which is packaged in 30 pieces. In the bottle. It costs about 420-480 rubles.

Principle of action of the drug

This medicine after taking continues its therapeutic effect on the body within 24 hours. Getting into the liver, the substance is subjected to oxidative metabolism. The lion's share (95%) of the taken drug is excreted from the body as a metabolic product. The remaining 5% are taken with urine.

Known contraindications for use

Like any drug, this drug has a number of its contraindications. Doctors do not recommend its use, if a history of the patient has the following diseases:

• Decompensated form of chronic heart failure ;
• State of cardiogenic shock;
• Sinus bradycardia;
• Arterial hypotension;
• Acute heart failure.

Take this drug under the supervision of a doctor is people prone to allergies and hypersensitivity to metoprolol. Also cardiologists are advised with caution to take this medicine to people with such problems as:

• obstructive bronchitis;
• Emphysema of the lungs;
• bronchial asthma;
• Metabolic acidosis ;
• diabetes;
• Kidney disease;
• psoriasis;
• liver failure;
• Violation of peripheral circulation.

Women during pregnancy are not prescribed this drug, because it can lead to a decrease in the pulse of the fetus being born. Also, this drug is not desirable to take during lactation.

Possible side effects

Before using this medication, information about all possible side effects should be carefully studied, using for this purpose the official instruction in the package. Since the drug directly affects the heart rate, in a short time is able to significantly reduce the pulse and lower blood pressure, the side effects from its reception should be taken seriously.

"Betalok ZOK" can influence various organs and systems of the body, for example:

• From the senses can deterioration of eyesight, dry eyes, tinnitus;
• Possible such disorders in the work of the central nervous system, as a delayed motor and mental reactions, headaches;
• With the appointment of large doses of the drug, there may be disorders of respiratory function - bronchospasm, shortness of breath, nasal congestion;
• From the side of dermatology, various eruptions, itching, hives, photodermatosis, psoriasis-like reactions are possible.

At occurrence of any changes in state of health or at display of symptoms similar to the above described, cardiologists are advised to put their doctor in charge.

Interaction with other drugs

Also, the doctor who appoints Betaloc ZOK, should be informed about all the drugs that the patient uses at the time of appointment. There are substances that are categorically contraindicated in the use of Betalok ZOK. At its or his reception, it is strictly forbidden to enter to the person injections of "Verapamilum". When using Betalok ZOK, it is very cautious to prescribe drugs similar to Reserpine (which, by their action, reduce the reserves of catecholamines). Such a simultaneous appointment may provoke a bradycardia attack and a rapid drop in blood pressure.

Reviews of doctors about this drug

At numerous forums, doctors cardiologists respond well enough about this drug. To one of its main advantages, they include the ability of the drug to effectively reduce pressure. Since this medicine has a much lower cost than its counterparts, for many hypertensives such a medicine becomes really a panacea.

The doctor also deserves good reviews because, according to the results of many studies, his main component, metaprolol, has the property of prolonging life. Despite the fact that cardiologists, this drug is in a good enough account, there is a certain category of people who are advised to take additional security measures while taking these pills. Among such recommendations are:

1. Regular check of blood glucose level in people with diabetes. In consideration, it is necessary to accept the fact that, being a beta-adrenoblocker, "Betaloc ZOK can mask the tachycardia that occurs due to hypoglycemia. At the beginning of taking pills, every patient with cardiologists is recommended to measure blood pressure daily and monitor the pulse. In cases when receiving Betalok ZOK, heart rate is less than 50 beats per minute, cardiologists are strongly advised to seek medical advice.
2. Older patients who take this medicine, doctors recommend monitoring kidney function at least once every 6 months.

Existing analogues: what is Betalock or Betalok ZOK better?

Substitutes of this drug can be considered drugs, the main active ingredient of which is metoprolol and the reception of which is designed to reduce the heart rate, as well as lower blood pressure.

Among the most popular analogues of the drug can be identified:

• "Corvitol".
• Metazok.
• "Vazocardine."
• Metocard.
• "Egilok".
• "Lidalok".
• "Metolol."
• "Methohexal".

Many are misled by the name of another drug, Betaloc, and it becomes unclear how it differs from Betaloc ZOK. In fact, this is the same medicine, which is based on the same substance - metoprolol. The only difference is that "Betalok ZOK" is available in tablet form, and "Betalok" in the form of a solution for injections. Intravenous injections of "Betaloka" are indicated in the following cases:

• When due to myocardial infarction the patient has tachyarrhythmia or severe pain syndrome;
• There are signs of myocardial ischemia;
• Supraventricular tachyarrhythmia is diagnosed.

Choosing which is better, Betalok or Betalok ZOK, for use in the home, preference is given to the tablet option.

Injections are much more quickly absorbed into the blood than drugs taken in the form of tablets, and this causes their faster action on the body. For this reason, even if the cardiologist has been appointed to receive Betalok ZOK, it is impossible to change it to injections of Betalocom by any means. This drug can be administered parenterally only in the presence of specially trained medical personnel, who in case of complications or adverse reactions, will be able to make the necessary resuscitative measures.