Propranolol (By Mouth)

Propranolol (proe-PRAN--oh-lole)

Treats high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), irregular heartbeat, migraine headaches, tremors, and lowers the risk of repeated heart attacks. This medicine is a beta blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Inderal LA, Inderal, InnoPran XL, Propranolol HCl Intensol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any type of beta blocker medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®, Lopressor®, Toprol®, Tenormin®), or if you have asthma, low blood pressure, or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food. Swallow the extended-release capsules whole. Do not chew, crush, or open them.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with the dropper that comes with the medicine. You may mix the liquid with water or juice to make it easier to swallow.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If your next regular dose is less than 4 hours away (8 hours for extended-release capsules), wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some drugs should not be taken together because they can interact. A drug interaction may cause mild to very serious medical problems. It can also make one of the drugs not work properly or make it too strong.
• There are many drugs that can interact with propranolol. This especially includes haloperidol, and medicines for asthma or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these medicines, or other medicines to treat your high blood pressure, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have emphysema, bronchitis, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, or diabetes.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor, or you may develop life-threatening heart problems. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar, and it may cover up symptoms of very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain (may be related to your heart disease and not a side effect)
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of your feet or ankles
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cold hands and feet
• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or depressed
• Trouble having sex
• Trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.