Propranolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
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.
Propranolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking propranolol?
Before taking propranolol, tell your doctor if you have:
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes;
low blood pressure;
a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
depression;
liver or kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
myasthenia gravis;
pheochromocytoma; or
problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use propranolol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Propranolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take propranolol?
Take propranolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Take propranolol at the same time every day.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not skip doses or stop taking propranolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using propranolol. You may need to briefly stop using propranolol before having surgery.
Propranolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store propranolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
For regular (short-acting) propranolol: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 4 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
For extended-release propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL and others): Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 8 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of an propranolol overdose may include uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking propranolol?
Propranolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking propranolol.
What are the possible side effects of propranolol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
slow or uneven heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling of your ankles or feet;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
depression; or
cold feeling in your hands and feet.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
sleep problems (insomnia);
tired feeling; or
anxiety, nervousness.
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 drug(s) may interact with propranolol?
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
atropine
barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
cimetidine
cocaine
ergotamine
hawthorn
levodopa
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for diabetes
medicines for high blood pressure
medicines for mental depression
medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
medicines to control heart rhythm
rifampin
theophylline
tubocurarine
water pills
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
