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Propranolol

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Propranolol

	Pronunciation
	Brand Names
	Foreign Brand Names
	Therapeutic Categories
	Reasons not to take this medicine
	What is this medicine used for?
	How does it work?
	How is it best taken?

	What do I do if I miss a dose?
	What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
	What are the common side effects of this medicine?
	What should I monitor?
	Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
	How should I store this medicine?
	General statements

Pronunciation

(proe PRAN oh lole)

Brand Names

; Inderal® ; Inderal® LA

Foreign Brand Names

; Apo-Propranolol® (Canada) ; Detensol® (Canada) ; Inderalici (Mexico) ; Nu-Propranolol (Canada) ; PMS-Propranolol (Mexico)

Therapeutic Categories

Antiarrhythmic Agent, Class II; Beta Blocker, Nonselective

Reasons not to take this medicine

If you have an allergy to another beta-blocking agent, propranolol, or any other part of the medicine.
If you have any of the following conditions: Weakened heart (congestive heart failure) whose symptoms are poorly controlled, slow heart rate (bradycardia) without a working pacemaker, asthma, water in the lungs (pulmonary edema), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Raynaud's disease.
If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant.

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and/or chest pain from the heart. This is called angina.
It is used after a heart attack to prevent future heart attacks and lengthen life.
It prevents unusual heartbeats (arrhythmias) and/or slows the heart rate (pulse) in patients with a rapid one.
Other treatments include prevention of migraine headaches, aggressive behavior, antipsychotic-induced akathisia, essential tremor, the prevention of rebleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis, and situational/performance anxiety.

How does it work?

Propranolol blocks chemicals, such as adrenaline (epinephrine), and prevents them from increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen use. Propranolol slows the body down a bit.

How is it best taken?

Take with food.
Take at a similar time every day.
Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
A liquid (solution, concentrate) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
Mix concentrate with liquid or soft food.
Do not take antacids or calcium supplements less than 2 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine.
Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider. This could be dangerous.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

Check medicines with healthcare provider, especially with amiodarone, diltiazem, and verapamil.
Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
It is dangerous to run out of this medication. Get it refilled today!
Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
Use caution if you have a weakened heart. Can worsen symptoms. Talk with healthcare provider.
Use caution if you are diabetic and have low blood sugars. Talk with healthcare provider. This medicine hides signs of low blood sugar except sweating.
Use caution if you have lung disease. This includes asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or if you are using an inhaler like albuterol or ipratropium. This medicine can cause wheezing or spasm in the lung.
Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

Feeling sleepy and/or lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
Change in sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after medicine is stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other medicines without this side effect.
Slow heart rate (pulse) and/or low blood pressure (lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness, and feeling tired).

What should I monitor?

Watch for swelling of legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, exercise tolerance. If any of these worsen, talk with healthcare provider.
Check blood pressure regularly.
Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Too tired or sleepy.
Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.

General statements

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Related Information

Substances depleted by this drug

View Depletions

Interactions with herbs

Ephedra

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Interactions with supplements

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin E

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