Drug Title

Propranolol

Drug Uses

Propranolol is a beta blocker that is used in the treatment of high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. It slows the heart down and reduces the amount of blood it pumps out thereby reducing angina. It may also be used to increase exercise resistance.

Mode of Application

Propranolol can be taken by mouth with or without food. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Propranolol is a beta blocker that decreases the action of pacemaker cells and slows certain impulses in the heart. Not only does this slow the heart down, it also reduces the amount of blood that the heart pumps out.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Propranolol then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children

Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Propranolol may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you have moderate to severe heart block, uncontrolled heart failure, shock caused by serious heart problems, very slow heartbeat with heart block, or very low blood pressure after a heart attack, you have asthma or Raynaud syndrome, the patient is a child with diabetes or heart failure, you are taking mibefradil.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Propranolol and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Propranolol is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Propranolol and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Patients taking blood pressure drugs have a feeling of being tired, especially in the first few weeks of taking the drug. Continue with your dosage if this occurs.

Propranolol may affect your blood sugar level and may make you feel anxious, sweaty, weak, dizzy, drowsy, or faint, make your heart beat faster, make your vision change, give you a headache, chills, or tremors, or make you more hungry. The chances of this occurring gets aggravated if you have diabetes or kidney problems or in children and infants.

Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

The best remedy for low blood sugar is a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda.

Should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Propranolol may cause certain lab tests (laucoma screening test and dobutamine stress echocardiography) to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.

Periodic lab tests including blood pressure and heart function tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, lightheadedness, mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, nausea, stomach upset or cramping, trouble sleeping, vomiting, weakness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, disorientation, fever with aching and sore throat, hallucinations, memory loss, mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the hands, persistent or severe vision changes, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin, severe dizziness, shortness of breath or wheezing, sudden unusual weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, unusual bruising, unusually slow heartbeat, very cold or blue fingers or toes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.