PROPRANOLOL

This medicine contains the active ingredient propranolol which belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers. It works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors which receive nerve signals in your heart and the heart is then beating evenly and more slowly.  Propranolol is used in treatment of high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain), arrhythmia and overactive thyroid gland. It can also reduce the risk of a heart attack if there is a possibility for it and prevent migraine attacks and stomach bleeding in patients with high blood pressure in their liver or swollen blood vessels in their gullet.

Is Propranolol suitable for me?

Propranolol is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you

• are allergic to propranolol, beta blockers or to other ingredients of this medicine
• have untreated/uncontrolled heart failure
• shock caused by heart problems
• severe heart defects (second or third degree heart blocks)
• suffer with heart conduction or rhythm problems
• have a slow heart rate
• increased acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis)
• are on a strict fasting diet
• suffer from asthma or any other breathing difficulties
• suffer from untreated phaeochromocytoma (high blood pressure due to a tumor near the kidney)
• suffer from severe blood circulation problems (which may cause your fingers and toes to tingle or turn pale or blue)
• suffer from a tight, painful feeling in the chest in periods of rest (Prinzmetal’s angina)
• have very low blood pressure

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breast-feeding
• suffer from muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
• have a weak heart or first degree heart block
• have kidney disease
• have liver disease
• have diabetes
• have a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis)
• have Raynaud’s disease 

Propranolol interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Propranolol?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take propranolol exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• for the high blood pressure, the usual starting dose is 40 mg two or three times a day, the maximum dose is 160-320 mg a day.
• for angina (Chest pain), the usual starting dose is 40 mg two or three times a day, maximum dose is 120-240 mg per day.
• for the prevention of migraine, the usual dose is 40 mg two or three times a day, the maximum dose is 80-160 mg a day.
• for the irregular heart rhythms, the usual dose is 10 mg to 40 mg two or three times a day.
• for the heart attack, the usual starting dose is 40 mg two to three times daily, maintenance dose is 80 mg twice daily.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Propranolol side effects?

Like all medicines propranolol can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• tiredness
• cold extremities
• difficulty in sleeping
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• nightmares
• shortness of breath

Uncommon:

• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.