INDERAL - Propranolol

Inderal Used For

Inderal (Propranolol) medication is a beta-blockers that is prescribed for reduction in hypertension (high blood pressure), treat angina (chest pain), irregular heartbeats, migraines, tremors and overall, reduce the risk of a recurrent heart attack.

Directions for Inderal medication

Recommended dose for adults for treatment of angina is 80 to 320 mg a day taken in 2, 3 or 4 divided doses. For irregular heartbeats, adults can be administered 10 to 30 mg 3 or 4 times a day while children should be given 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight a day taken in divided doses. For treatment of high blood pressure, adults are recommended 40 mg two times a day with gradual increase up to 640 mg a day. Children for the same condition can be given 500 micrograms (0.5 mg) to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight a day takenin divided doses. For patients of cardiomyopathy (diseased heart muscle), the recommended dose for adults is 20 to 40 mg 3 or 4 times a day. Adults who have suffered a heart attack can be administered 180 to 240 mg of Inderal a day in divided doses. Adults with pheochromocytoma can be given 30 to 160 mg a day taken in divided doses. The recommended dose for preventing migraine headaches in adults is 20 mg 4 times a day with titration to maximum 240 mg a day as required. 40 mg of Inderal can be given twice a day to adults suffering from trembling with an increase up to 320 mg per day as per the doctor's decision.

How Inderal medicine works

Patients on Inderal should avoid driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities since the medication may lead to drowsiness, dizziness or blood pressure changes. Alcohol should be used with caution as it may combine with Inderal to cause undue dizziness or drowsiness. It is advisable not to stop taking Inderal suddenly as this may lead to angina and possibly a heart attack as well. The dosage should be reduced gradually before stopping. Do not take Inderal if you are also taking medication containing thioridazine since the two could combine to result in dangerous and even fatal, irregular heartbeats.

Side effects of Inderal

As with all other medication, Inderal may or may not cause any or all of the following side effects: 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 (more than 2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week), chest (heart) pain, unusually cold or blue feet and hands, or skin rashes. It may also lead to fatigue, confusion, headache, dizziness, weak pulse, mildly slow heart rate, diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea, vomiting, depression, nightmares, or impotence. It is advisable to seek medical attention if any side effect were to become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Inderal medication Information

Each dose of Inderal should be taken with a full glass of water, with or without food. Try to take the medication at the same time every day.