Propranolol Oral
Why this is used
Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease, pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys), and certain types of tremor. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain) and migraine headaches. Propranolol is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Propranolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
How to take it
Propranolol comes as a tablet or capsule to take by mouth. It also comes as a solution or concentrate. The extended-release (long-acting) product usually is taken once a day. Immediate-acting propranolol may be taken two, three, or four times a day. Take propranolol at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propranolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not cut, crush, or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Dilute the concentrated oral liquid with water, juice, or soft drinks, or mix it with applesauce or pudding just before taking it.
Side effects
<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Propranolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
<ul>
<li>
dizziness or lightheadedness</li>
<li>
difficulty sleeping</li>
<li>
excessive tiredness</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
constipation</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
difficulty breathing</li>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
unusual bleeding</li>
<li>
swelling of the feet or hands</li>
<li>
unusual weight gain</li>
<li>
chest pain</li>
<li>
slow, irregular heartbeat</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
<ul>
<li>
dizziness or lightheadedness</li>
<li>
difficulty sleeping</li>
<li>
excessive tiredness</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
constipation</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
<ul>
<li>
difficulty breathing</li>
<li>
sore throat</li>
<li>
unusual bleeding</li>
<li>
swelling of the feet or hands</li>
<li>
unusual weight gain</li>
<li>
chest pain</li>
<li>
slow, irregular heartbeat</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>
Precautions
Before taking propranolol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to propranolol or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet); medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for heart disease or high blood pressure; reserpine; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes; severe allergies; or thyroid problems. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propranolol. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Educational reference only — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber about Propranolol Oral.