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Inderal |
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What is Inderal and why is it prescribed? Inderal, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina pectoris, changes in heart rhythm, prevention of migraine headache, hereditary tremors, hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, and tumors of the adrenal gland. It is also used to reduce the risk of death from recurring heart attack. When used for the treatment of high blood pressure, it is effective alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications, particularly thiazide-type diuretics. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, reducing the heart's demand for oxygen and lowering blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Inderal regularly for it to be effective. Inderal does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Inderal? Follow your doctors directions for taking Inderal. Inderal works best when taken before meals. Take it exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If this medication is not taken regularly, your condition may worsen. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 8 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Inderal at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Protect from freezing or excessive heat. Are there any Inderal side effects? Inderal side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Inderal side effects may include abdominal cramps, colitis, congestive heart failure, constipation, decreased sexual ability, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, disorientation, dry eyes, fever with sore throat, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, light-headedness, low blood pressure, lupus erythematosus, nausea, rash, reddish or purplish spots on the skin, short-term memory loss, slow heartbeat, tingling, prickling in hands, tiredness, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, visual changes, vivid dreams, vomiting, weakness, and worsening of certain heartbeat irregularities. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Inderal? If Inderal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Inderal with Alcohol, Aluminum hydroxide gel (Amphojel), Antipyrine (Auralgan), Calcium-blocking blood pressure drugs (such as Cardizem, Procardia, and Calan), Certain high blood pressure medications (such as Diupres and Ser-Ap-Es), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Haloperidol (Haldol), Insulin, Lidocaine (Xylocaine), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Motrin and Naprosyn), Oral diabetes drugs (such as Micronase), Phenobarbitone, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifadin), Theophylline (Theo-Dur and others), or Thyroid medications (such as Synthroid). Are there any special warnings about Inderal? If you have a history of congestive heart failure, your doctor will prescribe Inderal cautiously. Inderal should not be stopped suddenly. This can cause increased chest pain and heart attack. Dosage should be gradually reduced. If you suffer from asthma or other bronchial conditions, coronary artery disease, or kidney or liver disease, this medication should be used with caution. Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Inderal. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow. Inderal may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar or alter blood sugar levels. In addition, diabetics who experience a severe drop in blood sugar after taking insulin may suffer a spike in blood pressure if they are also taking Inderal. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Inderal if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
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