Drug Uses

Inderal is used for treating hypertension as well as angina pectoris which is chest pain caused by lack of oxygen. It can also be used for treating other problems as and when decided by the medical practitioner.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

It is advisable to take Inderal before meals. And you must not stop the dosage even after the symptoms have faded away.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Try and store Inderal preferably at room temperature. Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Overdose

An overdose of Inderal may have adverse effects like extremely low blood pressure or even irregular heart beats, congestive heart failure, wheezing and even seizures. These effects will require immediate medical attention. Contact the nearest emergency center immediately if you notice any severe effects.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using the drug if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like pregnancy, if you are suffering from any heart ailments and have had a case of heart failure or even if you are taking mibefradil and are suffering from asthma, or if you are a child suffering from diabetes or any kind of heart disease.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Inderal may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using Inderal. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

It also makes you sensitive towards the sun. So it is advisable to avoid outdoors under the sun or even the tanning booths. Whenever you step out of your house, use a proper sunscreen lotion and protect your skin from sun as much as you can.

For diabetic patients, the dosage of Hydrochlorothiazide might increase the blood sugar level. So you will have to be cautious while taking it. And if you feel drowsy, confused or thirsty, chills, vision change, weakness and irregular heart beats, contact your medical practitioner immediately.

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Pregnancy Info

If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using Hydrochlorothiazide to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using the drug as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.