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What is propranolol
 Propranolol
is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers
affect the heart and circulatory system (arteries and veins).
Propranolol
is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure), to treat
angina (chest pain), to treat irregular heartbeats, to treat
migraines, to treat tremor, and to reduce the risk of a recurrent
heart attack.
Propranolol
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about propranolol
Do not stop taking propranolol without first talking
to your doctor. Stopping the medication suddenly may result
in angina (chest pain) and possibly a heart attack. The
dosage may need to be reduced gradually before stopping.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience shortness
of breath.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Propranolol may
cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness
or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What you should find out before taking propranolol Do not take propranolol if you are taking thioridazine
(Mellaril). Taking these medicines together could result
in dangerous, even fatal, irregular heartbeats.
Before
taking propranolol, tell your doctor if you have:
-
asthma;
- heart problems such as low blood pressure,
a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, a pacemaker,
heart failure, or others;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- thyroid disease;
- kidney disease;
-
liver disease; or
- any type of circulation problems.
You may not be able to take propranolol, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Propranolol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means it is not known whether propranolol will be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment.
Propranolol passes into
breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take propranolol Take propranolol exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Propranolol can
be taken with or without food. Each dose of InnoPran XL
should be taken in the same way, either with or without
food.
Take propranolol at the same time every day
whenever possible. InnoPran XL should be taken at bedtime
(approximately 10 p.m.).
Do not crush, chew, break,
or open the long-acting or extended-release capsules (Inderal
LA, InnoPran XL). Swallow them whole.
Do not stop
taking propranolol without first talking to your doctor.
Stopping the medication suddenly may result in angina (chest
pain) and possibly a heart attack. The dosage may need to
be reduced gradually before stopping.
Store propranolol
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a propranolol overdose include a slow heartbeat, shortness
of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea,
and vomiting.
Avoid while taking propranolol Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Propranolol may cause
drowsiness, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. If you
experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while taking this medication.
Tell
your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication
before having surgery.
Possible side effects of propranolol If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking propranolol and call your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; hives);
- wheezing
or shortness of breath;
- an unusually slow or irregular
heart beat;
- swelling of the feet or lower legs;
- leg pain or cramping;
- sudden weight gain
(more than 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week);
- chest (heart) pain;
- unusually cold or
blue feet and hands; or
- skin rash.
If you
experience any of the following less serious side effects,
continue taking propranolol and talk to your doctor:
-
fatigue or confusion;
- headache or dizziness;
-
weak pulse or mildly slow heart rate;
- diarrhea,
constipation, gas, nausea, or vomiting;
- depression;
- nightmares; or
- impotence (difficulty obtaining
or maintaining an erection).
Side effects other than
those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect propranolol Do not take propranolol if you are taking thioridazine
(Mellaril). Taking these medicines together could result
in dangerous, even fatal, irregular heartbeats.
Before
taking propranolol, tell your doctor if you are taking
-
another heart medicine such as nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat),
reserpine (Serpasil), verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin),
diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR), clonidine (Catapres),
or digoxin (Lanoxin);
- a diabetes medication such
as insulin, glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase), glipizide
(Glucotrol), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), or metformin (Glucotrol);
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such
as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox,
Naprosyn, others), or ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail);
- a respiratory medication such as albuterol (Ventolin,
Proventil, Volmax, others), bitolterol (Tornalate), metaproterenol
(Alupent, Metaprel), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire,
Brethine, Bricanyl), or theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theochron,
Theolair, others), and others;
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- haloperidol (Haldol); or
- a prescription
or over-the-counter cough medication, cold medicine, or
diet pill.
You may not be able to take propranolol,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines
listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with propranolol
or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products. |
