Propranolol
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Propranolol
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug. It acts by blocking the beta-1 and beta-2 receptors present in heart and blood vessels. It decreases the action of pacemaker cells and slowing certain impulses in the heart, thus it control irregular heartbeat.
Therapeutic Uses of Propranolol
Propranolol is used for treatment of certain types of irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias. It can be used to treat hypertension. It can also be used in other medical conditions that your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Propranolol
Take Propranolol as per direction of your doctor. Take it by mouth with food or without food. Do not break, crush or chew it before swallowing it. If you have any question about use of Propranolol, you should ask your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Propranolol
If you are taking Propranolol regularly and miss a dose of it, you should take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses of Propranolol at a time for catching up with the missed dose.
How to Store Propranolol
Propranolol should be stored at temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light and keep out of reach of children. Do not store Propranolol in your bathroom.
More Information About Propranolol
Propranolol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Propranolol
Do not use Propranolol if you suffer from any of the medical problems given below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any of the ingredients of Propranolol.
- If you are suffering forom asthma or Raynaud syndrome.
- If the patient is a child with diabetes or heart failure or if you are taking mibefradil.
- If you are suffering from moderate to severe heart block, heart failure, shock due to serious heart problems, very slow heartbeat with heart block, or very low blood pressure after a heart attack.
Important notes about Propranolol:
- Propranolol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or vision changes. Certain drugs and alcohol can make these effects more serious and you should not drive, perform works hat need constant attention and monitoring like operating heavy machinery while on Propranolol. You should consult with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Propranolol as it may increase the risk of Propranolol’s side effects.
- Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you are pregnant you should not take Propranolol. If you become pregnant, consult your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Propranolol while you are pregnant. Propranolol is found in breast milk. If you are breast feeding or will be breast feeding while you use Propranolol, consult with your doctor to discuss any possible risks to your baby due to Propranolol.
- You should not take more than the recommended dose of Propranolol without asking your doctor.
- Patients who take medicine for hypertension often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment and you should keep taking your medicine even if you may not feel normal. Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms during treatment with Propranolol.
- If you have a history of any allergic reaction to any drug or any substance, discuss with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some drugs used for treatment of allergies may also not work while you are using Propranolol.
- In diabetes patients Propranolol may hide signs of low blood sugar, like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, restlessness. Monitor blood sugar levels closely during treatment with Propranolol. Ask your doctor if you need to change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Propranolol may lower your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar level is most likely to happen in infants and children, in patients who have diabetes, kidney problems or in weak patients. It may also occur after prolonged physical activity or during fasting. Symptoms of low blood sugar are anxiousness, sweating, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, vision change, faster heart beat, give you a headache, chills, or tremors; or make you more hungry or fainting in severe cases. If any of these symptoms occurs, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, or non-diet soda. This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. Inform your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of low blood sugar.
- Propranolol may interfere with certain lab tests, like the glaucoma screening test and dobutamine stress echocardiography. You should inform your doctor and lab personnel that you are using Propranolol.
- Lab tests and medical examinations like blood pressure and heart function tests, regular blood sugar test should be performed while you use Propranolol. These tests can be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects.
Possible Adverse Effects of Propranolol
- Common and less serious side effects of Propranolol are nausea, mild vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, lightheadedness, mild pain, swelling at the injection site, redness at the injection site, stomach upset, stomach cramping, trouble sleeping, weakness etc. If any of these common side effects become persistent of bothersome you should consult your doctor.
- If you experience any serious side effects of Propranolol, you should get immediate medical attention. The serious side effects of Propranolol are allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe dizziness, hallucinations, loss of memory, disorientation, mental or mood changes, fever with aching and sore throat, severe vision change, chest pain, numbness or tingling of the hands and feet; redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of skin; shortness of breath, wheezing, weight gain (sudden and unusual); swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising, very cold fingers and toes, blue fingers and toes, unusually slow heartbeat etc.