Propranolol
Description
Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain related to the hea
rt, 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
Q:
Can I take Propranolol during pregnancy?
A:
- 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
Q:
Can I take Propranolol while breastfeeding?
A:
Consult the doctor before using Propranolol during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive after consuming Propranolol?
A:
Propranolol causes dizziness or tiredness, avoid driving after its consumption.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol while taking Propranolol?
A:
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....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), WHO FIDES member
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I stop taking Propranolol on my own?
A: 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.
Q: What precautions I must follow while taking Propranolol?
A: 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.
Q: Can I take Propranolol during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A: Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Propranolol will be prescribed if the benefits overweigh its risks.
Q: What I must let know the doctor before taking Propranolol?
A: 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.
Q: What is the use of Propranolol?
A: 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.
Q: Is Propranolol a steroid?
A: No, Propranolol belongs to an anti-hypertensive class of medicines.
Q: Can Propranolol be given to children?
A: No, Propranolol should not be used in children below 18 years of age.
References
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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
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