Propranolol Description

Generic Name : PROPRANOLOL

Pronunciation : (proe pran' oh lole)

Trade Name(s) : B.P. norm, Betabloc, Betabloc ferte, Betacap T. R.,Cardiolong, Ciplar, Corbeta, Inderal, Propal

Why it is prescribed: Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart pain i.e., angina. It also is used to prevent migraine headaches and recurrence of heart attacks.

When it is to be taken: Propranolol is taken one to four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. It is important that you take propranolol regularly.

How it should be taken: Propranolol comes in tablets, extended-release capsules, and oral liquid. Take the capsules and tablets with a glass of water, milk, or fruit juice, preferably before meals. Dilute the oral liquid concentrate with water, juice, or soft drinks before taking it. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Your doctor may ask you to check your heart rate daily while taking this medication and will tell you how rapid it should be. Ask your doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse is slower than it should be, contact your doctor about taking the drug that day.
2. Do not stop taking propranolol without consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication abruptly might make your condition worse.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response to this medication can be checked.
4. Special dietary instructions should be followed. Your doctor may describe a low-salt or low-sodium diet, tell you to stop smoking, and restrict your intake of alcohol.
5. To obtain the full benefit from this drug, you must follow these instructions.
6. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, cramps, gas, diarrhea or constipation. Take the medication with a full glass of fluid or a light snack. If these problems persist, contact your doctor.
2. Cold hands and feet, lightheadness, sleeping problems, confusion, nightmares. Contact your doctor if these effects persist.
3. Shortness of breath, wheezing, or breathing difficulty; swelling of feet and lower legs; chest pain: slow or irregular pulse; fainting. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before taking propranolol, tell your doctor if you have a history of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disease; heart disease; diabetes; thyroid problems; liver disease; or kidney disease.
3. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially cimetidine and medication for your heart or high blood pressure, migraine headaches, asthma, allergies or colds, and depression.
4. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propranolol.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature and away from light.