Pranolol (other name Inderal)

Common use

Inderal acts by blocking beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the "sympathetic" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system which is responsible for work of the heart. The medication is used to treat tremors, chest pain, hypertension, heart rhythm disorders, ischemic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocardiodystrophy and other conditions.

Dosage and direction

Take orally disregarding the time of your meal. Take Inderal with a full glass of water at the same time every day. Do not chew, crush, break, or open an Inderal capsule. Swallow the tab whole.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly as it may cause problems to your heart.

Precautions

Do not use this drug if you suffer from asthma or certain heart conditions, especially second or third degree heart block, liver or kidney failure. Avoid drinking alcohol. Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better as hypertension may have no symptoms.

Contraindications

Sinus bradycardia, incomplete or complete atrioventricular block (problems with conduction of excitation in the excitation-conduction system of the heart), severe right and left ventricular failure, bronchial asthma and a tendency to bronchospasm, pregnancy, disorders of peripheral arterial blood flow. In patients with spastic colitis (inflammation of the colon, characterized by its contraction) administration of Inderal is not recommended.

Possible side effect

Nausea, vomit, diarrhea, bradycardia (a slow heartbeat), dizziness, allergy, itchy skin, bronchospasm (contraction of bronchus). Depression is possible.

Drug interaction

Alcohol and aluminum reduce the absorption of propranolol. Inderal increases the blood levels of theophylline and lidocaine. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, and rifampin reduce level of Inderal in blood. Cimetidine and chlorpromazine on the contrary increase the blood levels of Inderal.

Missed dose

If you missed a dose of short acting Inderal take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if only four hours remain till the next dose. If so skip the missed dose and return to your schedule. If extended release Inderal dose is missed then take the missed dose asap but do not take it if only eight hours remain till the next dose. Never take extra dose to compensate the missed one.

Overdose

In case of severe symptoms such as heartbeats, dizziness, weakness, or fainting, seek for immediate medical attention.

Storage

Keep at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.