Propranolol

CAUTION:
Do not discontinue taking propranolol without informing your doctor first. If propranolol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or heart attack in some people.

General Information and Indications:

Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. It works by relaxing your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump as hard. Propranolol is also used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.

Propranolol is also used to prevent migraine headaches and tremors.

Information For Users:

Propranolol comes as a tablet or capsule to take by mouth. It also comes as a solution or concentrate. The extended-release (long-acting) product usually is taken once a day. Immediate-acting propranolol may be taken two, three, or four times a day. The number of doses depends on why it is being taken.

Do not cut, crush, or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Dilute the concentrated oral liquid with water, juice, or soft drinks, or mix it with applesauce or pudding just before taking it.

Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take propranolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Propranolol helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue taking propranolol even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking propranolol without informing your doctor.

Special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to propranolol or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet); medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for heart disease or high blood pressure; reserpine; and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding asthma or other lung disease; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; severe allergies; or thyroid problems.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking propranolol, call your doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking propranolol.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Though adverse effects of propranolol are not common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o lightheadedness or dizziness
o difficulty sleeping
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o rash
o diarrhea
o constipation

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:

o difficulty breathing
o sore throat
o unusual bleeding
o swelling of the feet or hands
o unusual weight gain
o chest pain
o slow, irregular heartbeat

Brand Name(s):

o Inderal®
o Inderal® LA
o Inderide®
o Innopran® XL