Propranolol

Propranolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Introduction #

Generic name: Propranolol

Brand names: Hemangeol, Inderal LA, Inderal XL, InnoPran XL, Inderal, Propranolol Hydrochloride ER

Dosage forms: intravenous solution (1 mg/mL); oral capsule, extended release (120 mg; 160 mg; 60 mg; 80 mg); oral liquid (4.28 mg/mL); oral solution (20 mg/5 mL; 40 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg; 60 mg; 80 mg)

Drug classes: Group II antiarrhythmics, Non-cardioselective beta blockers

Uses #

Propranolol is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Benefits #

In Treatment of Pheochromocytoma

While carrying out surgery for the removal of pheochromocytoma, there is a risk of abnormally high blood pressure. Inderal 10 Tablet blocks the effect of some chemicals on your heart and blood vessels. This slows down the heart rate and helps the heartbeat with less force thereby lowering your blood pressure. It is used for the immediate reduction of very high blood pressure (hypertensive emergency). Controlled blood pressure reduces the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems.

In Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Inderal 10 Tablet relaxes the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke, a heart attack, or kidney problems in the future. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well. You should take it regularly as prescribed for this medicine to be most effective, even if you feel better.

In Prevention of migraine

Inderal 10 Tablet helps improve the flow of blood in your brain and prevents abnormal activity of muscles that triggers migraines. It is a very effective medicine for preventing migraine attacks, however, it does not treat an attack that has already started. By preventing and reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, the medicine can help you carry out your daily activities and improve your quality of life.

In Treatment of Anxiety

Inderal 10 Tablet stops your brain from releasing the chemicals that make you feel anxious so it can reduce the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritable and sleep problems that often come with Anxiety Disorder. Inderal 10 Tablet will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly can cause serious problems.

In Treatment of Arrhythmia

Inderal 10 Tablet is used to stabilize heart rate. It helps in normalizing an abnormal heart rhythm, preventing it occurring in the first place or slowing down the heart rate during an episode.

In Prevention of Heart attack

Inderal 10 Tablet helps lower your blood pressure and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This reduces the chances of you having a heart attack. It can also reduce the risk of dying if it is given immediately after a heart attack. This medicine needs to be taken regularly to be effective, so keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop without talking to your doctor.

In Prevention of Angina (heart-related chest pain)

Inderal 10 Tablet relaxes the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body and makes sure that your heart is getting a good supply of oxygen. This makes it less likely that you will suffer chest pain caused by angina. This medicine can help increase your ability to exercise and go about your daily life more easily by reducing the frequency of angina attacks. You should take it regularly and as long as it is prescribed for it to work effectively.

In Treatment of Tremors

Inderal 10 Tablet helps improve the flow of blood and prevents abnormal activity of muscles that trigger tremors. This medicine can therefore enhance the quality of life by improving the ability to carry out daily functions in a better manner.

Directions for use #

• Take propranolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

• Adults may take propranolol with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

• Hemangeol must be given to an infant during or just after a feeding. Doses should be spaced at least 9 hours apart. Measure - Hemangeol with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not shake.

• Hemangeol can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially during times of stress, illness, infections, or skipped meals. Make sure your child eats regularly while taking this medicine.

• Call your doctor if a child taking Hemangeol is sick with vomiting, has missed a meal, or has signs of hypoglycemia such as severe weakness or seizure.

• Doses are based on weight in children. Your child’s dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

• Your heart function and blood pressure will need to be checked often.

• Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

• Your condition may get worse if you stop using propranolol suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

• This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using propranolol.

What happens if I miss a dose? #

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose? #

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling light-headed or restless, tremors, fast or slow heartbeats, and trouble breathing.

Side effects #

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• Slow or uneven heartbeats

• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out

• Wheezing or trouble breathing

• Sudden weakness, vision problems, or loss of coordination (especially in a child with hemangioma that affects the face or head)

• Cold feeling in your hands and feet

• Depression, confusion, hallucinations

• Heart problems - swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath

• Low blood sugar - headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky

• Low blood sugar in a baby - pale skin, blue or purple skin, sweating, fussiness, crying, not wanting to eat, feeling cold, drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop for short periods), seizure (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.

Common propranolol side effects may include:

• Dizziness, tiredness

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps

• Sleep problems (insomnia)

• Runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, hoarse voice.

Warnings #

You should not use propranolol if you have asthma, very slow heart beats, or a serious heart condition such as sick sinus syndrome or AV block (unless you have a pacemaker).

Babies who weigh less than 4.5 pounds should not be given Hemangeol oral liquid.