Do not interrupt or suddenly stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. If this side effect occurs, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert while taking propranolol. Do not stop taking this medicine before surgery without your doctor’s approval. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
Propranolol Tablets
Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
What is this drug used for?
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. For individuals with underlying heart disease or heart damage, propranolol can potentially lead to heart failure over time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bradycardia.
Propranolol (oral route)
You may report side effects to the FDA at FDA-1088. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. This medicine may cause erectile dysfunction in some males. Propranolol will add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can be dangerous.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. 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. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems.
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine.
Oral solution:
Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
Who can and cannot take propranolol
- Take propranolol at around the same time(s) every day.
- These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
- While less common, the most serious side effects of propranolol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
- You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
- This medicine may cause some people to become less alert than they are normally.
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. Driving and hazardous work Avoid such activities until you have learned how the drug affects you because it can cause dizziness. Reduced starting dose will therefore be necessary. Over 60 Increased risk of adverse effects.
- Cardiac arrest may occur in propranolol overdose due to sudden ventricular arrhythmias, or cardiogenic shock which may ultimately culminate in bradycardic PEA.
- This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter OTC) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
- Propranolol treats the physical symptoms of anxiety – for example, it stops your heart beating too fast.
- The CYP1A2 inhibitor zolmitriptan increased peak propranolol levels by 1.4-fold and area-under-the-curve levels by 1.56-fold, while the CYP1A2 inhibitor rizatriptan increased propranolol peak levels by 1.8-fold and area-under-the-curve levels by 1.7-fold.
This document does not contain all possible interactions from the use of this medication. To do so may result in serious consequences or side effects. It is used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
Cigarette smoking, which induces CYP1A2, has been found to reduce the clearance of propranolol by 77%, in turn resulting in decreased propranolol concentrations. Conversely, verapamil does not affect the pharmacokinetics of propranolol and vice-versa. No interactions with propranolol were Propranolol brands observed with ranitidine, lansoprazole, or omeprazole. Propranolol is metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP2D6, CYP1A2, and CYP2C19. Hypotension and cardiac arrest have been reported with the combination of propranolol and haloperidol.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Does interact with other drugs you are taking? Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Common questions about propranolol
If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving propranolol.
If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. Propranolol extended-release capsules should be taken at bedtime (10 pm). It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well. This medicine should come with a Medication Guide and patient directions.
Propranolol treats the physical symptoms of anxiety – for example, it stops your heart beating too fast. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medicine is best for you. There are some other medicines that are known to prevent migraines but they are not officially approved in the UK. Atenolol, metoprolol, timolol and nadolol are all beta blockers and they work well in preventing migraines. Beta blockers are not usually the first choice for high blood pressure. In addition, if you stop suddenly after taking it for a long time, you may get extra side effects as a reaction to stopping it.
What should I do if I accidentally use too much propranolol?
In a 1987 study by the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, it was reported that 27% of interviewed members said they used beta blockers such as propranolol for musical performances. Newer, more cardio-selective beta blockers (such as bisoprolol, nebivolol, carvedilol, or metoprolol) are used preferentially in the treatment of hypertension. However, area-under-the-curve propranolol levels were ~2.5-fold higher in Caucasian CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or Chinese people with a non-functional CYP2D6 gene. The latter may be involved in the effectiveness of propranolol in the treatment of migraine at high doses. Since propranolol blocks β-adrenoceptors, the increase in synaptic norepinephrine only results in α-adrenoceptor activation, with the α1-adrenoceptor being particularly important for effects observed in animal models. In addition to blockade of adrenergic receptors, propranolol has very weak inhibitory effects on the norepinephrine transporter and/or weakly stimulates norepinephrine release (i.e., the concentration of norepinephrine is increased in the synapse).
It’s used to treat heart problems, help with some of the symptoms of anxiety and prevent migraines. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. You may report side effects to your national health agency.