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Propranolol

 

Propranolol (generic Inderal) Review

brand name: Inderal
generic names: Chlorpromazine hydrochloride, Propranolol, Propranolol hydrochloride

How does it work?

Syprol oral solution contains the active ingredient propranolol, which is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. (NB. Propranolol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Beta-blockers work by blocking beta receptors that are found in various parts of the body. Blocking beta receptors prevents the action of two chemicals, called noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are produced naturally by the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals, because they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.

Beta receptors are found in the heart. When they are blocked by propranolol the heart is made to beat more slowly and with less force. This reduces the pressure at which the blood is pumped out of the heart and around the body. This in turn reduces blood pressure, which means that propranolol can be used to treat high blood pressure. It also reduces the energy used by the heart to pump blood around the body, and so reduces the heart's need for oxygen, which means it can also be used in the management of angina.

Angina is chest pain that occurs because the heart does not get enough oxygen to meet demand, such as when doing exercise. Propranolol reduces the workload of the heart and so decreases its demand for oxygen. This helps to prevent attacks of angina.

Propranolol is also prescribed to people who have had a heart attack, because its effects on the heart have been shown to decrease the likelihood of having a further heart attack, and to lower the risk of continued illness and death.

Slowing the heart rate also helps to control abnormal heart beats called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Propranolol corrects the abnormal heart beat and thus can be used to treat arrhythmias.

In addition to these heart related uses, propranolol can also be used to control symptoms that are associated with anxiety or an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis), such as a racing pulse, sweating and tremor. This is because it blocks the effects of adrenaline.

Propranolol is also used to prevent migraine, although it is not fully understood how propranolol works in this area.

Syprol is a liquid brand of propranolol.

Why should Inderal not be prescribed?

If you have inadequate blood supply to the circulatory system (cardiogenic shock), bronchial asthma, a slow heartbeat, certain types of irregular heartbeat, or severe congestive heart failure, you should not take this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

For regular (short-acting) Propranolol (Inderal): Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 4 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.

Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

For extended-release Propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL and others): Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 8 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Not to be used in

• Untreated tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)
  
  
• Prolonged fasting
  
  
• Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
  
  
• Conditions involving severe disturbance of blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities
  
  
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  
  
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  
  
• Serious defect in the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (2nd or 3rd degree heart block)
  
  
• Uncontrolled heart failure
  
  
• A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion (Prinzmetal's angina)
  
  
• Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)
  
  
• A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)
  
  
• History of breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
  
  
• History of asthma
  
  

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Why is Inderal prescribed?

Inderal, hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (a condition related to exertional angina), hereditary tremors, prevention of migraine headache, changes in heart rhythm, usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries), angina pectoris (chest pain, is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, a type of medication known as a beta blocker, and tumors of the adrenal gland. It is also used to reduce the risk of death from recurring heart attack.

When used for the treatment of high blood pressure, it is effective alone or combined with other high blood pressure medications, particularly thiazide-type diuretics. Beta blockers decrease the force and rate of heart contractions, reducing the heart's demand for oxygen and lowering blood pressure.