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Propranolol Hydrochloride Oral solution [Cardiovascular Disease]
What is this medication?
PROPRANOLOL (proe PRAN oh lole) treats many conditions such as high blood pressure, tremors, and a type of arrhythmia known as AFib (atrial fibrillation). It works by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. It may be used to prevent migraine headaches. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the brain that cause migraines. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in sex drive or performance
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Asthma (lung or breathing disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Low blood pressure
- Pheochromocytoma
- Slow heartbeat
- Thyroid disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to propranolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Certain medications for depression, like fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, paroxetine
- Certain medications for irregular heartbeat like amiodarone, lidocaine, propafenone, quinidine
- Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, phenytoin
- Cholestyramine
- Cimetidine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Colestipol
- Diazepam
- Fluconazole
- Haloperidol
- Isoniazid
- Nisoldipine
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
- Rizatriptan
- Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
- Teniposide
- Theophylline
- Tolbutamide
- Warfarin
- Zileuton
- Zolmitriptan
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.
