Drug Uses

Propranolol is useful in the treatment of definite type of irregular heartbeats. It can also be useful in certain other conditions as and when determined by your 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.

You may choose to take Propranolol with a meal or without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with Propranolol.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Propranolol being a beta-blocker seeks to decrease the action of pacemaker cells as well as slows down some of the impulses in your heart. It also seeks to help in controlling your irregular heartbeat.

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

Store Propranolol at room temperature preferably between 20 to 25 degrees C. 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.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using Propranolol if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like severe heart block with uncontrolled heart failure, very low blood pressure, shock caused by serious heart problems, very slow heartbeat, asthma, if the patient is a child suffering from diabetes or heart failure, or if you are into mibefradil.

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.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like severe allergic reactions, high blood pressure, kidney problems and diabetes.

Propranolol 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 Propranolol. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Propranolol seeks to lower the blood sugar level. Proper measures should be taken to avoid such a situation as it may result in feeling of dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, sweat and even fainting. You may take non-diet soda, orange juice, candy, table sugar and honey.

Diabetic patients must keep a regular check of their blood sugar level.

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 Propranolol. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking Propranolol before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

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 Propranolol 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 Propranolol as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.