Inderal

Inderal (Propranolol)

Inderal

Propranolol tablet

What is it used for?

PROPRANOLOL is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers reduce the heart workload and help it to beat more regularly. This medicine is used for the treatment of high blood pressure, to control irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and to relieve chest pains caused by angina. It may also be helpful after a heart attack. This medicine is also used to prevent migraine headaches, relieve uncontrollable shaking (tremors), and help with the certain problems related to the thyroid gland and adrenal gland.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• circulation problems or blood vessel disease
• diabetes
• history of heart attack or heart disease, vasospastic angina
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• pheochromocytoma
• slow heart rate
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to propranolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• feverfew
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• sotalol

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• aluminum hydroxide gel
• antipyrine
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• diazepam
• fluconazole
• haloperidol
• isoniazid
• medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine or colestipol
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for HIV
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• teniposide
• theophylline
• thyroid medicines
• tolbutamide
• warfarin
• zileuton

This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you are using. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo the necessary check-ups. You should be checking your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact them.

You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noted:

• allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching or hives,face, lips, or tongue swelling
• issues with breathing
• changes in blood sugar
• cold hands or feet
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• dry peeling skin
• hallucinations
• muscle cramps or weakness
• slow heart rate
• swelling of the legs and ankles
• vomiting

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• diarrhea
• dry sore eyes
• hair loss
• nausea
• weak or tired

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect it from the light. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.