Inderal Medication - Uses & Side Effects

PROPRANOLOL (Inderal®) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart and help it to beat more regularly. Propranolol controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious heart problems. Propranolol has a number of other uses; for some of these the sustained-release capsules are not suitable. Propranolol steadies irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and relieves chest pain (angina), and it may be helpful after a heart attack. Propranolol can help prevent migraine headaches; relieve serious tremors (uncontrollable shaking); and help certain problems related to the thyroid gland and adrenal gland. Generic propranolol tablets and extended-release capsules are available.

Inderal Dosage

• All dosages of Inderal, for any problem, must be tailored to the individual. Your doctor will determine when and how often you should take Inderal. If you are over 65, the doctor will probably start with a relatively low dosage. Remember to take it exactly as directed.

Uses of Inderal

• Inderal is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
• Inderal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Inderal

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Inderal. 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 (a disease of the connective tissue)

Warnings and precautions before taking Inderal:

• Inderal 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, Inderal should be used with caution.
• Ask your doctor if you should check your pulse while taking Inderal. This medication can cause your heartbeat to become too slow.
• This medication 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 Inderal.

Drug Interaction :- If Inderal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Inderal with the following:

• 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 ibuprofen and Naprosyn
  
• Oral diabetes drugs such as Micronase
  
• Phenobarbitone

Overdose

No specific information on Inderal overdosage is available; however, overdose symptoms with other beta blockers include: Extremely slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, severe congestive heart failure, seizures wheezing. Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an Inderal overdose may include uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).