Indications
- Medication: Beta blocker
- Uses:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeats
- Tremors (shaking)
- Post-heart attack to improve survival chances
- Prevention of migraine headaches
- Prevention of chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure
- Mechanism: Blocks action of natural chemicals (e.g., epinephrine) affecting heart and blood vessels.
- Effects:
- Reduces heart rate
- Lowers blood pressure
- Decreases strain on the heart
- Overall benefits include preventing strokes, heart attacks, kidney problems, and improving exercise ability by preventing chest pain.
Dosage and administration
- Take orally as directed by the doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily before meals (and at bedtime if taken 4 times daily).
- Measure the liquid medication with a medication-measuring spoon or device; do not use a household spoon.
- Dosage based on medical condition and treatment response.
- Use regularly for maximum benefit, taking it at the same times daily, even if feeling well.
- Used to prevent chest pain or migraines; not for treating acute attacks. For sudden attacks, use other medications as directed by the doctor.
- If also taking certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (bile acid-binding resins), take propranolol at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after these medications.
- High blood pressure treatment may take 1 to 2 weeks before the full benefit is realized.
- Inform the doctor if the condition worsens, such as increased routine blood pressure readings or more frequent chest pain or migraines.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of the medication (Propranolol):
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness during initial adjustment.
- Nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, vision changes, trouble sleeping, and unusual dreams may also occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform the doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- The drug may cause reduced blood flow to hands and feet, leading to a feeling of coldness. Smoking may worsen this effect; avoid tobacco use and dress warmly.
- The medication is prescribed based on the doctor’s judgment of greater benefits than risks; serious side effects are uncommon.
- Notify the doctor immediately of serious side effects, including blue fingers/toes, mental/mood changes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, very slow heartbeat, fainting, decreased sexual ability, increased thirst/urination, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection, aching/swollen joints.
- Rare but serious allergic reactions may occur; seek medical help if symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing are observed.
- Not a complete list of possible side effects; contact the doctor or pharmacist for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Before taking Propranolol, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, had a serious reaction to other beta blockers, or have any other allergies.
- Provide your medical history, especially if you have breathing problems, heart failure, specific heart rhythm issues, overactive thyroid, kidney/liver disease, blood circulation problems, a certain tumor, mental/mood disorders, or severe allergic reactions.
- The medication may cause dizziness; avoid activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol and marijuana use. Caution with liquid forms containing alcohol, especially if you have alcohol dependence or liver disease.
- Before surgery, disclose all products used, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, and herbal products.
- This product may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat associated with low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). It is especially relevant for individuals with diabetes, during vomiting, fasting, or irregular eating. Other symptoms of low blood sugar are not affected.
- For those with diabetes, this product may complicate blood sugar control. Regularly check blood sugar levels and inform the doctor if symptoms of high blood sugar appear.
- Children, especially those vomiting or not eating regularly, may be at greater risk of low blood sugar. Ensure regular eating and notify the doctor if symptoms of low blood sugar occur.
- During pregnancy, use only when clearly needed. Infants exposed during pregnancy may have low birth weight, low blood sugar, or slow breathing/heartbeat. Discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
- The drug passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.