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Propranolol |
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What is Propranolol and why is it prescribed? Propranolol, 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. Propranolol is also used to reduce the risk of death from recurring heart attack. When used for the treatment of high blood pressure, Propranolol 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 Propranolol regularly for it to be effective. Propranolol does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Propranolol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Propranolol. Propranolol works best when taken before meals. Take Propranolol exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Try not to miss any doses. If Propranolol 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 Propranolol at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Protect from freezing or excessive heat. Are there any Propranolol side effects? Propranolol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Propranolol 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 Propranolol? If Propranolol 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 Propranolol 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 Propranolol? If you have a history of congestive heart failure, your doctor will prescribe Propranolol cautiously. Propranolol 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 Propranolol. Propranolol can cause your heartbeat to become too slow. Propranolol 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 Propranolol. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Propranolol if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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