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In this Article

• What is propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• What are the possible side effects of propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• What is the most important information I should know about propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• How should I take propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Inderal LA)?
• What happens if I overdose (Inderal LA)?
• What should I avoid while taking propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• What other drugs will affect propranolol (Inderal LA)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking propranolol (Inderal LA)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propranolol, or if you have asthma or certain heart conditions, especially second or third degree heart block.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking propranolol, tell your doctor if you have:

• bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorders;
• diabetes;
• low blood pressure;
• a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate, or congestive heart failure;
• depression;
• liver or kidney disease;
• a thyroid disorder;
• pheochromocytoma; or
• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome).

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Propranolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take propranolol (Inderal LA)?

Take propranolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Take propranolol at the same time every day.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not skip doses or stop taking propranolol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using propranolol. You may need to briefly stop using propranolol before having surgery.

Propranolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store propranolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.