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Propranolol

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Beta Blockers

Propranolol - What is it for

​Propranolol belongs to a group of medications known as beta-blockers.

Beta-blockers are usually used in the treatment of different conditions such as

  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Reduce chest pain/ discomfort (Angina)
  • Heart attack
  • Reduce symptoms such as tremors and fast heart rate in people with hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of thyroid hormone.
  • Migraine, a type of headache

Propranolol - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Propranolol cause?

  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
    • This may occur especially when you get up quickly from lying or sitting down. Getting up slowly or changing posture slowly may help. Take a rest by sitting or lying down if you feel dizzy.
  • Coldness, numbness or tingling sensation of your fingers or toes
  • Feeling weak and tired, and that your heart beats slower
  • Shortness of breath
  • Problems with sexual intercourse

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Propranolol , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • You have asthma or other breathing problems – this medication may worsen or cause an asthma attack.
  • You have pre-diabetes or diabetes - this medication may hide symptoms of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat or tremors. You may need to check your blood sugar more closely.    

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Propranolol ?

Propranolol - Dosage and How to Use

How should Propranolol be used?

  • ​Do not stop taking your medication without first checking with your healthcare professional.
  • You should take this medication with or after food.
  • If you have been taking this medication regularly for several weeks or more, do not stop this medication suddenly without consulting your healthcare professional. Stopping your medication suddenly may worsen your condition.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose. 

What should I do if I overdose?

Propranolol - Handling

How should I handle Propranolol safely?

Propranolol - Storage

How should I store Propranolol ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

​Throw away all expired medications.

How should I dispose of Propranolol safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Propranolol - Additional Information

  • Updated on 7/31/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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