WHAT IS Inderal/Propranolol?

• Inderal/Propranolol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
• Inderal/Propranolol 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.
• Inderal/Propranolol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of an Inderal/propranolol overdose may include uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Inderal/Propranolol?

• atropine
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for high blood pressure
• Cafergot/ergotamine
• tubocurarine
• cimetidine
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• cocaine
• hawthorn
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for diabetes
• Uni-dur tr/theophylline
• medicines for mental depression
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as Motrin/ibuprofen)
• levodopa
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• rifampin
• water pills

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• For extended-release Inderal/propranolol ( Inderal la/Inderal LA, InnoPran XL and others): Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 8 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
• For regular (short-acting) Inderal/propranolol: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 4 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
• Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING Inderal/Propranolol?

• If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Inderal/propranolol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
• Inderal/Propranolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Before taking Inderal/propranolol, tell your doctor if you have:
  • asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • myasthenia gravis;
  • problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).
  • low blood pressure;
  • depression;
  • diabetes;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • pheochromocytoma; or
  • a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
• FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Inderal/Propranolol?

• If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using Inderal/propranolol. You may need to briefly stop using Inderal/propranolol before having surgery.
• To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
• Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
• Take Inderal/propranolol at the same time every day.
• To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
• Take this medication with a full glass of water.
• Take Inderal/propranolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Do not skip doses or stop taking Inderal/propranolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
• Store Inderal/propranolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
• Inderal/Propranolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Inderal/Propranolol?

• Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
  • anxiety, nervousness.
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
  • tired feeling; or
• Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
  • cold feeling in your hands and feet.
  • depression; or
  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • swelling of your ankles or feet;
  • feeling light-headed, fainting;
  • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
  • slow or uneven heartbeats;
• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Inderal/Propranolol?

• Avoid drinking alcohol, which could increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Inderal/propranolol.
• Inderal/Propranolol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.