Propranolol

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Molecule Description

Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain related to the heart, or irregular heartbeats. It belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers. Propranolol is also used to prevent heart attacks, tremors, and migraines. It relaxes the blood vessels, which slows the pulse, enhances blood flow, and lowers blood pressure. The medicine must be used only under a doctor's prescription and for the duration prescribed. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, and tell them about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have before starting this medicine.

Uses

Treatment of high blood pressure.
Irregular heart rhythm (Atrial fibrillation) and hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis (a disorder of heart muscle).
Prevent angina attacks (chest pain due to heart condition).
Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Tremors.
Migraines.

Contraindications

When should one not use Propranolol

If you are allergic to Propranolol.
If you have low blood pressure.
If you have asthma or other breathing difficulties.
If you have any past medical history of heart failures.
If you have severe heart disorders.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea Vomiting Drowsiness Fatigue Diarrhoea Skin rash Cold fingers and toes Disturbed sleep Breathlessness

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Propranolol should be avoided during pregnancy. However your doctor may give you Propranolol only if it is needed and its benefits outweigh the risks.Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or you may be pregnant or are planning for a baby before starting the medicine.

Breast Feeding

Consult the doctor before using Propranolol during breastfeeding.

Driving

Propranolol causes dizziness or tiredness, avoid driving after its consumption.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol results in a sharp decrease in blood pressure. Hence, avoid during its course.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have diabetes.
You have asthma or COPD.
You have liver or kidney disorders.
You have problems with the heart.
You suffer from muscle weakness.
You suffer from thyrotoxicosis (excess of thyroid hormone in the body).
You are using medicines like Verapamil and Diltiazem which are used to treat high blood pressure, angina and certain heart diseases.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Propranolol helps in relaxing the blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. Therefore, the heart would not require any extra effort to pump the blood.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Certain medicines can affect the way Propranolol works and Propranolol itself can affect the action of certain medicines when taken together Concomitant use of Propranolol and other medicines for heart disorders like verapamil can result in severely low blood pressure and also lowers the heart rate. Medicines such as adrenaline when used together with Propranolol may increase the blood pressure. Medicines that regulate the immune system should not be used with Propranolol as this combination may result in a severe lowering of the heart rate which could also be fatal. Medicines used for psychotic disorders like phenobarbital can lower the effect of Propranolol when used together. Medicines that are used for heart disorders such as Propafenone can enhance the effect of the Propranolol and may result in increased side effects. Using blood thinners such as Warfarin with Propranolol may enhance the effect of warfarin resulting in bleeding. Use of certain medicines for psychotic disorders such as Selegiline with Propranolol may reduce the effect of this medicine.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are fatigue, tremors, confusion, body spasm, nausea, vomiting, fainting, low blood glucose levels, slower heart rate, low blood pressure, heart failure and breathing difficulties. If you experience any of the symptoms or think you have taken an excessive dose of Propranolols, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

Do not panic if you miss any dose of Propranolol. Take it as soon as you recall it. If it is the time for the impending dose, then it can be continued and the missed dose can be skipped. A double dose is strictly not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The doctor must always be consulted before you stop/alter the dose as it should be decreased gradually. If you stop its use, you can experience symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeats or heart attack.

Medical help is recommended if you feel dizziness, a slower heart rate, vision problems, sexual dysfunction, etc after its use. The dose must be adjusted according to the serum levels which is done by the physician when you will inform him.

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Propranolol will be prescribed if the benefits overweigh its risks.

Before taking Propranolol, the doctor must be aware of the past medical/surgical histories like if you are allergic to propranolol if you have diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, heart disorders, asthma or COPD.

Propranolol is used to treat and prevent heart-related conditions like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, chest pain due to heart condition, heart attack and other conditions.

No, Propranolol belongs to an anti-hypertensive class of medicines.

No, Propranolol should not be used in children below 18 years of age.

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