Propranolol, Sumial Information
Propranolol Oral
Sumial; Betachron ER; Inderal; Inderal LA
Do not stop taking propranolol without talking to your
doctor first. If propranolol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain or
heart attack in some people.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Propranolol is used to treat high blood
pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.
It works by relaxing your blood vessels so your heart doesn't have to pump
as hard.
Propranolol also is used to treat abnormal
heart rhythms.
Propranolol is also used to prevent migraine
headaches and tremors.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
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.
The number of doses depends on why it is being taken.
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.
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.
Propranolol helps control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to
take propranolol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking propranolol
without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
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.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking propranolol, call your
doctor.
• 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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If
your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these
directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from propranolol are
not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• difficulty sleeping
• excessive tiredness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• rash
• diarrhea
• constipation
If you experience any of the following
symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• difficulty breathing
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding
• swelling of the feet or hands
• unusual weight gain
• chest pain
• slow, irregular heartbeat
What storage conditions are needed for this
medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came
in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room
temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/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.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and
the laboratory. Your doctor will need to determine your response to
propranolol. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask
your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your pulse. If your pulse
is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription.
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