Patient Handouts
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Propranolol Oral
(proe pran' oh lole)
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Do not stop taking propranolol without talking to your doctor first. If propranolol is stopped suddenly, it may cause chest pain
or heart attack in some people.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart disease, pheochromocytoma (tumor on a
small gland near the kidneys), and certain types of tremor. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain) and migraine
headaches. Propranolol is also used to improve survival after a heart attack. Propranolol is in a class of medications called
beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
How should this medicine be used?
Propranolol comes as a tablet or capsule to take by mouth. It also comes as a solution or concentrate. The extendedrelease (long-acting) product usually is taken once a day. Immediate-acting propranolol may be taken two, three, or four
times a day. Take propranolol at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propranolol exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not cut, crush, or chew extended-release tablets; swallow them whole. Dilute the concentrated oral liquid with water,
juice, or soft drinks, or mix it with applesauce or pudding just before taking it.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking propranolol,
 tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to propranolol or any other drugs.
 tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
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cimetidine (Tagamet); medications for migraine headaches, asthma, allergies, colds, or pain; other medications for
heart disease or high blood pressure; reserpine; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or other lung disease; heart, liver, or kidney disease; diabetes;
severe allergies; or thyroid problems.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking propranolol, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propranolol.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how
this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Propranolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
 dizziness or lightheadedness
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difficulty sleeping
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excessive tiredness
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upset stomach
Patient Handouts
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vomiting
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rash
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diarrhea
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constipation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
 difficulty breathing
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sore throat
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unusual bleeding
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swelling of the feet or hands
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unusual weight gain
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chest pain
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slow, irregular heartbeat
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-3321088].
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will need to determine your response to propranolol.
Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate). Ask your pharmacist or doctor to teach you how to take your
pulse. If your pulse is faster or slower than it should be, call your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are
taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you
each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of
emergencies.
Brand names
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Inderal®
Inderal® LA
InnoPran®
InnoPran® XL
Pronol®
Brand names of combination products
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Inderide® (containing Hydrochlorothiazide, Propranolol)
Inderide® LA (containing Hydrochlorothiazide, Propranolol)