Propranolol (Cardiovascular)

Uses

Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys), certain types of tremor, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (a heart muscle disease). It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain), migraine headaches, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Propranolol is in a class of medications called beta-blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Side Effects Of Propranolol (Cardiovascular)

Propranolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • tiredness
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

Some side effects of propranolol can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

Propranolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking propranolol:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to propranolol, any other medications, or any ingredients in propranolol products. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take with propranolol. Be sure to mention any of the following: ACE inhibitors; antacids containing aluminum (Maalox, Mylanta, others); anticoagulants (”blood thinners”) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Tiazac, others), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia XL), and nisoldipine (Sular); cholestyramine (Prevalite); cimetidine; ciprofloxacin (Cipro); chlorpromazine; colestipol (Colestid); diazepam (Diastat, Valium); digoxin (Lanoxin); fluvoxamine (Luvox); haloperidol (Haldol); HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (cholesterol-lowering agents) such as lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor, in Advicor) and pravastatin (Pravachol); isoniazid (in Rifamate, in Rifater); medications for depression such as bupropion (Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin, Zyban), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra), imipramine (Tofranil), and paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva); fluconazole (Diflucan); medications for migraine headaches such as rizatriptan (Maxalt) and zolmitriptan (Zomig); medications for high blood pressure such as clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay, in Clorpres), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and terazosin; medications for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) and phenobarbital; certain medications for irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone, Pacerone), propafenone (Rythmol), and quinidine (in Nuedexta); monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil); montelukast (Singulair); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex); theophylline (Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl); reserpine; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifater, in Rifamate); ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Viekira Pak); teniposide (Vumon); thioridazine; ticlopidine; tolbutamide; tricyclic antidepressants; and zileuton (Zyflo). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications while using propranolol or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung diseases; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; severe allergies; or thyroid problems.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking propranolol, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propranolol.
  • ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking propranolol. Alcohol may increase the amount of propranolol in your body.
  • tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this medication.

Dosage Of Propranolol (Cardiovascular)

Propranolol comes as a tablet, solution (liquid), and as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The extended-release propranolol capsule (brand name: Inderal LA) usually is taken once a day. The extended-release capsule (Innopran XL, Inderal XL) is usually taken at bedtime and should consistently be taken either always with or always without food each time. Immediate-acting propranolol tablets or solution may be taken two, three, or four times a day. Take propranolol at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propranolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Other

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your propranolol. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source

All information on propranolol has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.