Propranolol

Uses of  Propranolol

Propranolol  is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Propranolol is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Precautions and Warnings

Who should not use propranolol?

People who are allergic to any of the following should not use propranolol. Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients. Propranolol should not be used if your heart is beating too slow (bradycardia). Propranolol should not be used if your blood pressure is too low (hypotension). Propranolol should not be used if the electrical signals in your heart move too slow (heart block). Propranolol should not be used if your heart failure is severe or getting worse, causing you to feel very tired, have trouble breathing, or swelling in your legs.  Propranolol should not be used if you have a life-threatening condition called cardiogenic shock where your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body.

What should I know about propranolol before using it?

Do not take propranolol unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. If using propranolol oral solution for infantile hemangioma, give it with food or right after food. Otherwise, take propranolol with or without food. If using propranolol oral solution, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device. Do not share propranolol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep propranolol out of the reach of children. Propranolol can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how propranolol affects you. Stopping propranolol suddenly may lead to chest pain or heart attack in people with heart disease. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Dosage

Take propranolol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

The recommended dosages for:

• Hypertension is 40 mg twice daily
• Migraine Prophylaxis is 80 mg/day in divided doses
• Angina is 80 mg/day in divided doses
• Performance Anxiety is 10–40 mg taken 30–60 minutes before the event

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects:
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Bradycardia
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Worsening of heart failure symptoms
  • Severe bradycardia
  • Bronchospasm (especially in asthmatic patients)
  • Hypoglycemia (more common in diabetics or children)