Propranolol

Filed under: Anti Anxiety Medication, Beta Blockers, Painkillers & Migraine Medication

Displayed: Propranolol Inderal 40mg

Propranolol goes all the way back to 1965 when it was first widely available in the UK as a beta blocker. It is often used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) angina (chest pain caused be a blockages in the arteries to the heart) and abnormal heart rhythms, but it is also helpful in controlling a fast heart rate and other symptoms of an over active thyroid gland. Propranolol can also help in preventing additional heart attacks. This medication is also useful for reducing palpitations, sweating, and tremor caused by severe anxiety. It can also be used to treat migraine headache as a preventative medication.

Propranolol will not be prescribed to people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. It can be the cause of breathing difficulties. You should use propranolol with caution if you are diabetic, because like all beta blockers, it has adverse effects on the body’s responses to low blood sugar.

Take propranolol at the same time every day. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release propranolol capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Like all medicines propranolol tablets can have side effects, although it is worth remembering that not everybody gets them.

If you are taking propranolol for hypertension it is possible not to suffer any symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. Some individuals may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

If you are taking Syprol Oral Solution a link to The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) can be found a the foot of this page.

This information is based on taking medication where the active ingredient is Propranolol Hydrochloride.

Detailed Information

Quick Guide

• Beta blocker danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Anti-anxiety danger of overdose – HIGH.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Manufacturers recommend an avoidance of alcohol while on this medication, It may increase the blood levels of propranolol.
• Propranolol can be used to treat lots of different conditions including as a preventative against migraine attacks.
• If you are taking Bedranol SR Capsules be aware they contain sucrose and you should not take this medicine if you have a hereditary intolerance to some sugars.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed propranolol suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, it does not automatically follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Cold Hands And Feet, Fatigue, Lethargy.
Rare: Dry Eyes, Fainting, Nausea, Nightmares, Visual Problems, Vivid Dreams.

You should contact a doctor immediately if you suffer an allergic reaction to propranolol, such as: Difficulty breathing or a swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, It is also possible to have an intolerance toward propranolol which could show as: Slow heart rate and low blood pressure causing dizziness, light-headedness, fainting or blurred vision.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using medication with the active ingredient propranolol. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

There would be no problems with prolonged use of propranolol.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

There would be no special problems expected with these activities, apart from the fact the manufacturers recommend an avoidance of alcohol while using propranolol, It may increase blood levels of the drug.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

You should seek your doctors/pharmacists advice as propranolol is not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicines.

Propranolol is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

If you are going to have general anesthetic, dental care, blood or urine tests consult with your doctor/dentist before hand. If you find yourself in hospital inform them that you are taking propranolol. You may need to briefly stop using propranolol before having surgery.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

There is a possibility of adverse effects for the over sixties which may call for a reduced dosage. For children propranolol dosage is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.

Overdose

The effects of a massive overdose can vary from one beta-blocker to another; propranolol overdose in particular may cause coma and convulsions. Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Notify your doctor or go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital taking the container with you. Even if it is empty.

Other Medication Reactions

This list may not contain all of the known medication reactions. It is very important that you tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medication. This includes medicines which can be obtained without a prescription. (e.g. Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication).

• Clonidine (to treat high blood pressure and migraine).
• Amiodarone, disopyramide and other similar drugs to treat abnormal heart rates.
• Verapamil, diltiazem, or nifedipine are known as Calcium channel blockers (used to treat high blood pressure, angina and abnormal heart rhythms).
• Digitoxin or digoxin (used to treat heart failure).
• Lignocaine (used to treat abnormal heart rhythms).
• Medicines used for migraine (Ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or related medicines.
• Anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) pain relievers (e.g. ibuprofen or indomethacin) for arthritis and similar conditions.
• Chlorpromazine (for certain psychiatric disorders).
• Rifampicin (an antibiotic).
• Thyroxine (used for certain thyroid disorders)
• Cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcers).
• Corticosteroids (e.g. hormone replacement).
• The contraceptive pill.
• Insulin.
• Moxisylyte (used to treat poor circulation).

Bedranol 160mg SR Capsules contains lactose. If you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, you should discuss this matter with your doctor before taking this medication.

Missed 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 continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. as it may lead to a worsening of the condition. Propranolol needs to be reduced over a period of time.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The effects of this drug can be felt after 1 to 2 hours if you are taking tablets. After 4 hours (if SR capsules are taken) In hypertension and migraine it would be most likely to take several weeks before the full effects of this drug is felt. The effects would last 6 – 12 hours if you take tablets and 24 – 30 hours for the SR-capsules.

Safety and Storage

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take Propranolol if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep Propranolol in their original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects on our environment.

If Propranolol has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Reference:

• Sandoz Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 01/02/2011. Bedranol 160mg SR Capsules.
• Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 11/01/2010. Syprol 40mg/5ml Oral Solution.
• British National Formulary – 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.