Inderal La belongs to the class of medications called beta-blockers. It is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain), to reduce the risk of more heart problems after a heart attack (myocardial infarction), to manage certain heart conditions, and to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms. Propranolol works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the demands on the heart.
Directions
Take Inderal La exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dosage for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is 80 mg once a day. After a couple of weeks the amount may be increased or decreased. The usual dose for most people is between 120 mg and 160 mg once a day. To improve angina symptoms, the recommended dose is from 80 mg to 320 mg daily. For migraine prevention, the starting dose is 80 mg once a day. The usual dose to treat hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is between 80 mg and 160 mg once a day. It may be taken by mouth with a glass of water, with or without food.
Precautions
Before taking Inderal La you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, slow heart rate, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney or liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes, depression, pheochromocytoma, psoriasis, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, circulation problems, blood vessel disease, any allergies. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you drink alcohol or smoke.
Contraindications
Do not take Inderal La if you are allergic to propranolol or to any of the ingredients of the medication, have severely slow heart rate, allergic rhinitis during the pollen season, asthma or severe chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, serious heart block.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have slow heart rate (bradycardia), decrease in blood pressure, insomnia, vivid dreams, short-term memory loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, dry eyes, impotence, Peyronie's disease, back or joint pain, chest pain, depression, hallucinations, hives, drowsiness, weakness, skin rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: alpha blockers (phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, carvedilol, tamsulosin), calcium channel blockers (felodipine, nimodipine, verapamil, nifedipine), arrhythmia medications (quinidine, amiodarone, propafenone, lidocaine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (tranylcypromine, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, selegiline), digoxin, clonidine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib, ibuprofen, diclofenac, meloxicam), beta blockers (timolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol, sotalol), thyroid medications (thyroid, liotrix), tricyclic antidepressants (trimipramine, clomipramine, amitriptyline, nortriptyline), blood thinners (warfarin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), severe decrease in heart rate (bradycardia), low blood pressure, wheezing, decrease in breathing, tiredness.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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