Inderal

Generic name: Propranolol

Drug classes: Group II antiarrhythmics, Non-cardioselective beta blockers

Dosage form: Capsule

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 10, 20, 40, 80, 120 mg

Mechanism of action: Inderal is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Drug usage cases:  Inderal is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Drug contra indications: You should not use Inderal if you are allergic to propranolol, or if you have:

Asthma, history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint,

severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital); or a serious heart condition such as “sick sinus syndrome” or heart block (2nd or 3rd degree, unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure Inderal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

slow heartbeats, congestive heart failure, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorders, diabetes (propranolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar), liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), problems with circulation (such as Raynaud’s syndrome); or if you smoke.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Inderal (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Call your doctor at once if you have:

slow or uneven heartbeats, a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out, wheezing or trouble breathing, sudden weakness, vision problems, or loss of coordination, cold feeling in your hands and feet, depression, confusion, hallucinations, heart problems – swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, low blood sugar – headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or low blood sugar in a baby – pale skin, blue or purple skin, sweating, fussiness, crying, not wanting to eat, feeling cold, drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop for short periods), seizure (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.

Warnings: You should not use Inderal if you have asthma, very slow heart beats, or a serious heart condition such as “sick sinus syndrome” or “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker). Propranolol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Report any changes in blood sugar levels to you doctor. Use Inderal only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.