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introduction of Propranolol
Propranolol is in a class of drugs
called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and
circulatory system.
Propranolol is used to reduce
hypertension (high blood pressure), to treat angina (chest
pain), to treat irregular heartbeats, to treat migraines, to
treat tremor, and to reduce the risk of a recurrent heart
attack.
Propranolol may also be used for
purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Precautions Before Taking Propranolol
Do not take propranolol if you are
taking thioridazine. Taking these medicines together could
result in dangerous, even fatal, irregular heartbeats.
Before taking propranolol, tell
your doctor if you have
-
asthma;
-
heart problems such as low blood
pressure, a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus
syndrome, a pacemaker, heart failure, or others;
-
diabetes;
-
depression;
-
thyroid disease;
-
kidney disease;
-
liver disease; or
-
any type of circulation problems
You may not be able to take
propranolol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Propranolol is in the FDA
pregnancy category C. This means it is not known whether
propranolol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Propranolol passes into breast
milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Side Effects of Propranolol
If you experience any of the
following serious side effects, stop taking propranolol and
call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical
treatment:
-
an allergic reaction
-
wheezing or shortness of breath;
-
an unusually slow or irregular
heart beat;
-
swelling of the feet or lower
legs;
-
leg pain or cramping;
-
sudden weight gain
-
chest (heart) pain;
-
unusually cold or blue feet and
hands; or
-
skin rash
If you experience any of the
following less serious side effects, continue taking
propranolol and talk to your doctor:
-
fatigue or confusion;
-
headache or dizziness;
-
weak pulse or mildly slow heart
rate;
-
diarrhea, constipation, gas,
nausea, or vomiting;
-
depression;
-
nightmares; or
-
impotence
Storage Conditions for
Propranolol
Store
propranolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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