This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Inderal Consumer Information
INDERAL
Generic Name: propranolol (proe PRAH no lall)
Brand Names: Inderal, Inderal LA, InnoPran XL
What is the most important information I should know 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 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider 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 I 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.
What happens if I 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 I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a propranolol overdose include a slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I 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.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.