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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Propranolol is classified as a beta blocker. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, tremors, and more. This medication is commonly prescribed following a heart attack to increase the likelihood of survival. It can also be used to prevent chest pain and migraine headaches.
By reducing high blood pressure, propranolol can prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It can also improve your ability to exercise by preventing chest pain. The medication works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, which can impact the heart and blood vessels. As a result, it reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Uses and Dosage
Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to take this medication orally, typically between 2 and 4 times per day. Take this medication before meals and at bedtime if the dosage is four times daily.
When measuring the liquid medication, use a medication-measuring spoon or device, as a household spoon may not provide the correct dose.
The dosage of this medication is dependent on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment. Take this medication regularly to receive the full benefit. To help with consistency, take it at the same time each day.
This medication is designed to prevent chest pain or migraines and should not be used to treat these conditions when they occur. In such cases, consult your doctor and follow their advice, which may include using other medications.
If you take medication to lower cholesterol, such as bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol, take propranolol at least an hour before or four hours after these medications.
For high blood pressure treatment, it may take one to two weeks before experiencing the full benefit of this medication. If your condition worsens, such as an increase in routine blood pressure readings or more frequent chest pain or migraines, inform your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dry eyes
- fatigue
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- nightmares
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- breathing difficulty or wheezing
- chest pain
- cold hands and feet
- dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position
- hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
- memory problems
- mood changes
- ringing in the ears
- sleepwalking
- slow heartbeat
- signs of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, ankles, feet)
- symptoms of low blood sugar
- symptoms of low blood pressure
- symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon (numbness and spasm in fingers followed by warmth and pain)
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- vision changes
Caution
Prior to taking propranolol, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, including allergies to other beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol) or other substances. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using this medication, particularly if you have breathing problems, heart failure, certain types of heart rhythm problems, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud’s disease), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma), mental/mood disorders, certain muscle/nerve disease, or severe allergic reactions.
This drug may cause dizziness. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana may increase dizziness. Do not operate machinery, drive, or perform any activity that requires attentiveness until you can do so safely.
The liquid form of this medication may contain alcohol. If you have alcohol dependence or liver disease, be cautious while using this product.
If you have diabetes, this product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would typically feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug. This product may also make it difficult to manage your blood sugar. Follow your doctor’s instructions for monitoring your blood sugar regularly, and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Children may be at a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), particularly if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To prevent low blood sugar, feed children at regular intervals. If your child is unable to eat regularly, is vomiting, or has signs of low blood sugar, stop this medication and notify your doctor immediately.
During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary. Infants who were exposed to this medication during pregnancy may have low birth weight, low blood sugar, or slow breathing/heartbeat. Consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Inderal is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Inderal tablet:
- 10mg
- 40mg
-
propranolol scored tablet:
- 10mg
- 20mg
- 40mg
- 80mg
FAQ
Will Inderal help me relax?
By slowing down your heart rate, Inderal can tackle the physical symptoms of anxiety and help you to feel calmer. This medication also inhibits the effects of the stress hormone noradrenaline, which further combats these physical anxiety symptoms.
Can you drink coffee on Inderal?
Since caffeine can reduce the efficacy of beta-blockers, it is advisable to avoid drinking excess coffee while taking this medication.
Resources
- https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/anxiety/guides/propranolol-guide#:~:text=By%20slowing%20down%20your%20heart,combats%20these%20physical%20anxiety%20symptoms
- https://www.medicinenet.com/can_you_drink_coffee_while_taking_beta-blockers/article.htm
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/inderal-la#adverseeffects
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6840/inderal-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682607.html
- https://www.drugs.com/inderal.html
