What is this medication?
PROPRANOLOL (proe PRAN oh lole) treats a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It works by decreasing your heart rate, which decreases the amount of work your heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Inderal
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Circulation problems, or blood vessel disease
- Diabetes
- History of heart attack or heart disease, vasospastic angina
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
- Pheochromocytoma
- Slow heart rate
- Thyroid disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to propranolol, other beta-blockers, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Feverfew
- Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Aluminum hydroxide gel
- Antipyrine
- Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
- Barbiturates like phenobarbital
- Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
- Cimetidine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Diazepam
- Fluconazole
- Haloperidol
- Isoniazid
- Medications for cholesterol like cholestyramine or colestipol
- Medications for mental depression
- Medications for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
- NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Teniposide
- Theophylline
- Thyroid medications
- Tolbutamide
- Warfarin
- Zileuton
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.