General Info: Uses and Effects

Inderal Generic (Propranolol) is known as a beta blocker which affects blood circulation through the veins and arteries, and also affects the heart. The medication is used for the treatment of angina, chest pain, heart rhythm disorders, tremors, hypertension (high blood pressure), and other circulatory and heart conditions. It is also used for the treatment or prevention of a heart attack and for the decrease of the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. It is important to note that Inderal Propranolol may also be used to treat other health conditions that are not listed in this guide.

Contraindication: Important to Know

You should not use this medication if you have very slow heart beats, asthma, or other serious heart conditions, such as AV Block, or sick sinus syndrome. Before you start your treatment, inform your doctor if you have the following health conditions:

• Liver or kidney disease;
• Muscle disorder;
• Low blood pressure, slow heartbeats;
• Emphysema, bronchitis, or any other breathing disorder;
• Diabetes, or low blood sugar (Inderal Propranolol can make it difficult for you to know when you have low blood sugar);
• Congestive heart failure;
• Problems with circulation, including Raynaud's syndrome;
• Thyroid disorder;
• Depression;
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor).

It is not yet known if Inderal Generic can harm foetus. You should therefore inform your doctor if you are pregnant, or you think you might become pregnant in the course of your treatment. It is important to note that Propranolol may pass into breast milk and may harm a breast feeding baby. You should therefore inform your physician if you are nursing a baby.

Instructions on Taking

You should take Inderal Propranolol exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read the directions on the prescription label before you start your treatment. Your doctor may decide to change your dosage due to your response to the treatment and to ensure you get the best health results from your treatment. Do not use the medication in smaller or larger dose or for a longer period of time, other than what is recommended. Do not chew, crush, break, or open the extended release capsule. You should swallow the medicament as a whole. If you are an adult, you can take the drug with or without food but you should take it exactly the same way each time you are using it. You should also take it at the same time of the day to ensure you don't forget your dosage. It is important that you check your blood pressure regularly. In the course of taking the medication, if you have to undergo surgery, it is crucial to inform your surgeon beforehand that you are taking Inderal Propranolol. You may be advised to stop the medication for a period of time.

Do not skip your doses or stop taking the medication suddenly. Sudden stoppage of the medication can make your health condition worsen. Ensure you follow your physician's instructions strictly so as to enjoy the maximum benefit of the medication. There are possible drug interactions that can be experienced when you use this medicine with other drugs. It is important that you inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking before you start using Inderal Propranolol.

If you are taking Inderal Generic to treat high blood pressure, you should keep taking the drug even if you feel better. Understand that high blood pressure rarely have any symptoms. You should therefore continue to take it until your doctor tells you otherwise. In most cases, blood pressure medications are usually taken for life to maintain your blood pressure. It is important to state that Inderal Propranolol is just a part of a full treatment program for the treatment of hypertension. A complete program usually consists of medications, weight control, exercise, and diet. It is important that you strictly follow your medication, exercise and diet routines if you are using the medicine for the treatment of hypertension.

You should keep all medication away from the reach of children. Do not share your drug with others even if they have the same symptoms as you have.

Side Effects

You should get urgent medical attention if you develop any sign of allergic reaction to Propranolol. Among such signs are hives, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, or lips, and difficult breathing. You should call your physician if you develop any of the following side effects:

• Uneven or slow heartbeats;
• Wheezing or trouble breathing;
• Light headed feeling, as if you might pass out;
• Shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or swelling;
• Vision problems, loss of coordination, or sudden weakness;
• Confusion, depression, hallucinations;
• Cold feeling in the hand or feet;
• Low blood sugar - hunger, sweating, headache, weakness, irritability, confusion, fast heart race, feeling jittery, or dizziness;
• Liver problems - upper stomach pain, feeling of tiredness, clay coloured stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
• Severe skin reactions - sore throat, fever, swelling of the tongue or face, painful skin, burning in the eyes, purple or red skin rash, peeling and blistering of the skin;
• Low blood sugar in a baby - purple or blue skin, fussiness, pale skin, not wanting to eat, crying, shallow or weak breathing, seizure, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or feeling cold.

There are also some common side effects that you can experience when using Inderal Propranolol. Some common adverse effects of this medicine include:

• Sleep problems;
• Feeling of tiredness;
• Nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation;
• Impotence, difficulty achieving orgasm, or reduced sex drive.

It is important to note that there are other side effects you might experience while taking this medication. As a matter of fact, this is not a complete list of all adverse reactions that can occur while taking this drug. You should inform your doctor if you experience any other side effects other that what is listed here.

Interaction with Other Drugs

You should inform your physician of any medication you are taking prior to taking Inderal Propranolol. You should also let him know if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• Warfarin Jantoven, Coumadin - blood thinners;
• Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Clompramine, Imipramine - antidepressants;
• Prednisone - a steroid medicine;
• Aspirin, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Indomethacin, Naproxen (Alexe) - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs;
• Amiodarone, Propafenone, Quinidine, Diltiazem, Verapamil - heart and blood pressure medicines;
• Doxazosin, Terazosin, Prazosin - drugs for the treatment of prostate disorder or high blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of all drug interactions for Inderal Generic. You should therefore inform your doctor if you are using any other medications.