Propranolol

Brand Names

Propranolol, Propranolol hydrochloride, Inderal, Inderal LA, InnoPran XL

What is Propranolol

Propranolol hydrochloride is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called sympatholytic non-selective beta blockers. It is effective in the treatment of several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Propranolol works by blocking the effects of certain chemicals in the body. It can be used to reduce heart rate, to help the heart beat more regularly, to reduce the heart's work and to lower blood pressure. It also decreases the frequency and severity of angina attacks. It is available with a prescription.

Side effects of Propranolol

The possible side effects of Propranolol include the followings:

• Unexplained skin rash
• Unexplained blisters or peeling of the skin
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Unexplained swelling or sudden weight gain
• Chest pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
• Cold, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Confusion
• Irregular heartbeat

Indication

Propranolol is helpful for:

• High blood pressure control
• Relief of angina symptoms
• Treatment following a heart attack to improve survival
• Treatment of atrial fibrillation or other irregular heart rhythms
• Migraine prevention
• Decreasing the severity of tremors in people with familial or essential tremor
• Improving symptoms in people with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis which is a condition in which the middle part of the heart thickens
• Controlling pheochromocytoma symptoms.

Precautions

Propranolol should not be used if you have:

• Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, a history of heart attack or irregular heart rhythm
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• A slow heart rate
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Pheochromocytoma
• Psoriasis
• Glaucoma
• Hyperthyroidism
• Raynaud's phenomenon or other circulation problems
• A blood vessel disease
• Any allergies, including allergies to other beta blockers, foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol
• Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia

Dosage forms

Dose of Propranolol for High Blood Pressure

The recommended starting dosage of propranolol for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is 40 mg twice a day. After a couple of weeks, your doctor may increase or reduce your dose. Your doctor may also add a diuretic (a "water pill") or another blood pressure medication if your blood pressure is not sufficiently controlled by propranolol alone.

In some cases, people needed to take up to 640 mg a day (320 mg twice a day) in order to lower blood pressure enough. However, the usual dose for most people is 120-240 mg a day, taken as 2 smaller doses (60-120 mg twice a day).

While twice-a-day dosing is adequate for most people, the effects of the medication may wear off too soon in some people (causing high blood pressure at the end of the dosing interval). In such situations, your doctor prescribe you take it 3 times a day.