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Introduction About CARDILAX 20MG TABLET
CARDILAX 20MG TABLET is a combination of Alprazolam and Propranolol which belongs to the group of medicines called Anxiolytics and Antihypertensive agents respectively. It is used to manage anxiety and panic attacks. It can also be used to reduce elevated heart rate and blood pressure associated with anxiety. It is also capable of reducing tremor (shakiness), restlessness and migraine headache among the affected patients.
Before taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET inform your doctor if you have any problems in your heart, liver or kidneys. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, muscle weakness, depression with suicidal thoughts, any mental illnesses, history of alcoholism or drug abuse or thyroid problems as a precaution. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may make you feel more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are depression, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, forgetfulness, constipation, dry mouth, decreased sex drive, problems in erection, blurred vision, cold hands and feet, slow heartbeat and problems in sleeping. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.
You must also inform your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts or any other unusual changes in behaviour (such as agitation, restlessness, aggressiveness, irritability, violence or anger).
Uses Of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET
- Reduces anxiety and restlessness
- Manage panic attacks, tremors (shakiness) and migraine headache
- Reduces chest pain and high blood pressure caused due to anxiety
How CARDILAX 20MG TABLET Works
CARDILAX 20MG TABLET contains two medicines namely alprazolam and propranolol. Alprazolam is a hypnotic medicine. It suppresses the abnormal electrical activity within the brain and induces sleep.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker. It reduces the heart rate and force of contraction of the heart which, therefore reduces abnormal heart signs (such as racing heartbeat, nervousness and high blood pressure) associated with anxiety.
It can also relax the blood vessels supplying the heart and the brain which therefore reduces elevated blood pressure, chest pain and migraine.
It also stops the transfer of abnormal nerve signals between the brain and the muscles which helps in reducing tremors.
How to use CARDILAX 20MG TABLET
Take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition. Do not take this medicine for more than 4 weeks without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects Of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET
Common
- depression
- headache, dizziness
- drowsiness or sleepiness
- jerky movements or unsteadiness
- forgetfulness
- slurred speech, nervousness
- constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite
- tiredness, irritability, confusion, disorientation, loss of alertness
- sexual problems, increased or decreased sex drive
- problems in erection
- feeling sluggish
- shakiness or trembling
- double or blurred vision
- nausea
- change in body weight
- fingers and toes may become cold
- slow heartbeat
- signs of Raynaud’s syndrome (numbness and spasm in the fingers followed by warmth and pain)
- sleep disturbances, nightmares
Uncommon
- diarrhea
- abnormally excited
- hallucinations
- urge to urinate
- menstrual cramps (pain in thighs and lower back)
- muscle spasms or weakness
Rare
- dizziness while standing up
- hair loss
- tingling or pricking sensation of body parts
- vision disturbances and dry eyes
Stop taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects such as:
- signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
- slow heart rate and low blood pressure causing dizziness, light-headedness, fainting or blurred vision
- changes in behavior (such as feeling agitated, restless, aggressive, irritable, violent or angry, false beliefs, nightmares and hallucinations or other inappropriate behavior)
- memory loss (amnesia)
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eye (jaundice)
How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation
Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Insomnia
Try to have a regular bedtime schedule. Avoid having naps during the daytime. Limit caffeine intake and reduce watching TV before bedtime. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.

Nausea And Vomiting
Take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
ContraindicatedCARDILAX 20MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician, as it may harm the growing baby. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedCARDILAX 20MG TABLET may excrete in breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. However, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or handle any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness or drowsiness after taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET as it might make you feel dizzier and drowsier.

Kidney
Use with CautionCARDILAX 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver
Consult your doctorCARDILAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems. It should be used with caution in patients with other mild liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET if you are allergic to propranolol, alprazolam or to any other sedative or hypnotic medicines (such as midazolam, nitrazepam, clonazepam).

Lungs
ContraindicatedCARDILAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients suffering from asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD or bronchospasm. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Heart Disease
Consult your doctorCARDILAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with sinus bradycardia (slow heart beat due to problems in SA nodes), heart block, severe hypotension (low blood pressure), congestive heart failure or heart defects. It should be used with caution in patients with a previous history of heart failure or other heart problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
CARDILAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have cardiogenic shock (heart cannot pump blood suddenly)
- have hypertensive emergency crisis (abnormal increase in blood pressure which is severe)
- have an increased acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis)
- are on a strict fasting diet
- suffer from other forms of angina (Prinzmetal’s angina)
- suffer from myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)
- have sleep apnea (breathing stops and starts during sleep)
Before taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have diabetes
- suffer from unstable angina (chest pain that occurs in the absence of any stressful activity)
- are going for glaucoma screening test
- are planning for any major surgery
- have other types of arrhythmias (such as Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome)
- have any bleeding problems
- have stroke or any circulatory problems
- have swollen ankles
- have previously experienced depression with thoughts of committing suicide
- have any mental illnesses that required hospitalization
- have a previous experience of drug abuse or alcoholism
- have used any hypnotic medicine earlier
Use in Pediatrics:
CARDILAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) due to lack of safety data. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Use in Geriatrics:
CARDILAX 20MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged above 65 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug interactions:
Before taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine such as:
- other medicines used to reduce anxiety and to induce sleep (such as midazolam, clonazepam, nitrazepam, nefazodone, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine)
- opioid analgesic medications (such as buprenorphine, morphine, codeine or propoxyphene, pethidine, fentanyl etc.)
- other medicines used to manage psychiatric disorders (such as pimozide, haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine)
- medicines used to manage epilepsy (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine)
- medicines used to manage allergic reactions (such as azelastine, cyproheptadine, mequitazine)
- medicines used to manage fungal infections (such as ketoconazole)
- oral contraceptives (birth control pill) such as ethinylestradiol, drospirenone
- medicines used to manage bacterial infections (such as erythromycin)
- medicines used to manage HIV infection (such as ritonavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, saquinavir, indinavir)
- general anaesthetic (used to create of loss of consciousness before surgery) such as methoxyflurane and trichloroethylene
- other medicines used in the management of hypertension and other heart problems (Ex. nifedipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, isradipine, lacidipine, verapamil, diltiazem, hydralazine, clonidine, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, disopyramide, quinidine, amiodarone, isoprenaline, dobutamine, propafenone and digoxin)
- alpha blockers (used to manage hypertension and BPH) Ex. prazosin, doxazosin
- reserpine (an antihypertensive from plant source)
- lignocaine (used to locally numb body parts)
- adrenaline (a medicine that can stimulate the heart)
- ibuprofen and indomethacin (medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation)
- medicines used to manage migraine headaches (Ex. ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or rizatriptan)
- cimetidine, aluminium hydroxide gel (medicine used for stomach problems)
- rifampicin (a medicine used to manage tuberculosis infection)
- theophylline (a medicine used to manage asthma)
- fingolimod (a medicine used to manage multiple sclerosis)
- thyroxine (a medicine used to manage thyroid deficiency)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more CARDILAX 20MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose might include slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, drowsiness, confusion, feeling cold, slurred speech, breathing difficulties with symptoms such as fatigue, hallucinations, tremors, confusion, nausea, vomiting, body spasms and fainting.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Alprazolam, Propranolol |
Pharmacological Category | : | Benzodiazepines, Beta-Blockers |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Anxiety, Panic attack |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep CARDILAX 20MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store CARDILAX 20MG TABLET at room temperature
FAQs About CARDILAX 20MG TABLET
Q: What is the use of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: CARDILAX 20MG TABLET is used to manage anxiety and panic attacks. It can also be used to reduce elevated heart rate and blood pressure associated with anxiety. It is also capable of reducing tremor (shakiness), restlessness and migraine headache among the affected patients.
Q: How CARDILAX 20MG TABLET works in my body?
A: CARDILAX 20MG TABLET suppresses the abnormal electrical activity within the brain and induces sleep. It also reduces the heart rate and force of contraction of the heart which, therefore reduces abnormal heart signs (such as racing heartbeat, nervousness and high blood pressure) associated with anxiety.
Q: What precautions must be followed while taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: Before taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET inform your doctor if you have any problems in your heart, liver or kidneys. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, muscle weakness, depression with suicidal thoughts, any mental illnesses, history of alcoholism or drug abuse or thyroid problems as a precaution. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may make you feel more dizzy or drowsy. Do not take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts or any other unusual changes in behaviour (such as agitation, restlessness, aggressiveness, irritability, violence or anger).
Q: Can CARDILAX 20MG TABLET cause weight gain?
A: Yes. Weight gain is one of the common side effects of taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET. If this side effect bothers you, contact your doctor.
Q: Will CARDILAX 20MG TABLET reduce my sex drive?
A: Yes. CARDILAX 20MG TABLET may affect your sexual life. It may decrease sex drive or cause problems in orgasm, ejaculation or erection. Therefore, consult your doctor if you experience any such symptoms.
Q: Can CARDILAX 20MG TABLET be used in children?
A: CARDILAX 20MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) due to lack of safety data. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Can CARDILAX 20MG TABLET be used during pregnancy?
A: CARDILAX 20MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered necessary by the physician, as it may harm the growing baby. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or planning to have a baby.
Q: Will the use of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET cause sleepiness?
A: Yes, CARDILAX 20MG TABLET can make your feel sleepy, drowsy or tired. Therefore, do not drive or handle heavy machines or tool if you feel drowsy or sleepy. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it can aggravate your drowsiness.
Q: Can I consume alcohol while taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine as it may make you feel more dizzy or drowsy.
Q: What to do if I forget to take a dose of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: If you forget to take a dose of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at regular times. Do not take a double dose of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET to compensate a missed dose, as it could lead to toxicity.
Q: Will taking a higher dose of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET than the prescribed one be beneficial?
A: No, taking a higher dose of CARDILAX 20MG TABLET will not be effective rather it can lead to toxicity. Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor. If the prescribed dose is not effective for you, consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor might increase the dose or suggest an alternative therapy.
Q: Can I stop taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET once my symptoms subside?
A: No. Do not stop taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET without consulting your doctor even if you feel better during the mid-way of the therapy. Sudden discontinuation of therapy may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain, tension, restlessness, confusion, mood changes, difficulty in sleeping and irritability.
Q: Can CARDILAX 20MG TABLET be taken daily?
A: Yes. CARDILAX 20MG TABLET can be taken daily as per your doctor’s instruction. However, if you are doubtful, consult your doctor.
Q: How to take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: Take CARDILAX 20MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
Q: What are the common side effects of taking CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: The most common side effects of taking this medicine are depression, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, forgetfulness, constipation, dry mouth, decreased sex drive, problems in erection, blurred vision, cold hands and feet, slow heartbeat and problems in sleeping. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.
Q: What happens if I accidentally take more CARDILAX 20MG TABLET?
A: If you or anyone else accidentally took more CARDILAX 20MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose might include slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, drowsiness, confusion, feeling cold, slurred speech, breathing difficulties with symptoms such as fatigue, hallucinations, tremors, confusion, nausea, vomiting, body spasms and fainting.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Sedative-Hypnotics. Antiadrenergic drugs and Drugs for Glaucoma. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th Edition. Page – 405 & 145-151.
2. C L Ravaris, M J Friedman, P J Hauri, G J McHugo. A controlled study of alprazolam and propranolol in panic-disordered and agoraphobic outpatients. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. December 1991. [Accessed on 25th January 2023]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1770152/
3. Pfizer Italia S.r.l. Xanax® 250 microgram and 500 microgram Tablets alprazolam. Electronic Medicines Compendium. [Revised in November 2022]. [Accessed on 25th January 2023]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1656.pdf
4. Atnahs Pharma UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in July 2021] [Accessed on 25th January 2023]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12858.pdf
5. Accord. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 25th January 2023]. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5853.pdf
6. Leeford Healthcare Pvt Ltd. Prazonal Tablet. [Accessed on 25th January 2023]. https://www.leeford.in/product/779/prazonal
7. Central Drugs standard Control Organization. Alprazolam Dispersible Tab. 0.125mg/0.25mg/0.50mg. September 2006. Alprazolam tablets. June 1998. Alprazolam SR 0.5mg tablet. 1997. [Accessed on 25th January 2023]. https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Kidney Function Test