WHAT IS Inderal/Propranolol TABLETS?

Inderal/PROPRANOLOL is used for treating high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation. It is used in patients with angina to decrease angina frequency and increase exercise tolerance. It is used to decrease the risk of heart death in certain patients who have survived a heart attack. It is used to manage certain types of tremors, a heart condition called hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, or certain symptoms of pheochromocytoma (an adrenal tumor). It is used to prevent migraine headaches. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Inderal is a beta-blocker. It works by slowing down the heart and decreasing the amount of blood it pumps out. This helps to decrease blood pressure, helps the heart pump more efficiently, and reduces the workload on the heart. Exactly how Inderal works to treat migraines or tremors is not known.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Inderal/Propranolol?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be, and when you should contact them.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Do not suddenly stop taking Inderal . Sharp chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and sometimes heart attack may occur if you suddenly stop Inderal . The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. Your doctor should slowly lower your dose over several weeks if you need to stop taking it. This should be done even if you only take Inderal for high blood pressure. Heart disease is common and you may not know you have it. Limit physical activity while you are lowering your dose. If new or worsened chest pain or other heart problems occur, contact your doctor right away. You may need to start taking Inderal again.

HOW SHOULD I USE Inderal/Propranolol?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Inderal/Propranolol?

Store between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Inderal/Propranolol?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• shortness of breath or wheezing
• changes in blood sugar
• persistent or severe vision changes
• slow heart rate
• dry peeling skin
• swelling of the mouth, face, lips, legs or ankles
• memory loss
• vomiting
• cold hands or feet
• mental or mood changes
• fever with aching and sore throat
• hallucinations
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• muscle cramps or weakness
• difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• breathing problems
• chest pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• weak or tired
• lightheadedness
• fatigue
• change in sex drive or performance
• trouble sleeping
• stomach upset or cramping
• hair loss
• dry sore eyes

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Inderal/Propranolol?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• feverfew
• phenothiazines
• Betapace/sotalol
• mibefradil

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• aluminum hydroxide gel
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• cimetidine
• zileuton
• haloperidol
• medicines for HIV
• antipyrine
• medicines for high blood pressure
• diazepam
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like Motrin/ibuprofen or Aleve/naproxen
• tolbutamide
• medicines for cholesterol like cholestyramine or colestipol
• Diflucan/fluconazole
• Theo-24 sr/theophylline
• Phenytek er/phenytoin
• Cipro/ciprofloxacin
• teniposide
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, Maxalt/rizatriptan, Imitrex/sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• rifampin
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• isoniazid
• Coumadin/warfarin
• thyroid medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Inderal/Propranolol?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• slow heart rate
• history of heart attack or heart disease, vasospastic angina
• asthma or Raynaud syndrome
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Inderal/propranolol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• kidney disease
• circulation problems or blood vessel disease
• thyroid disease
• liver disease
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• pheochromocytoma
• diabetes

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.