Inderal (Propranolol Hydrochloride)

Propranolol (Infantile Hemangioma)



(proe pran' oh lole)

Hemangeol®

Propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, pheochromocytoma (tumor on a small gland near the kidneys), certain types of tremor, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (a heart muscle disease). It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain), migraine headaches, and to improve survival after a heart attack. Propranolol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

Propranolol comes as a tablet, solution (liquid),and as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The extended-release propranolol capsule (brand name: Inderal LA) usually is taken once a day. The extended-release capsule (Innopran XL, Inderal XL) is usually taken at bedtime and should consistently be taken either always with or always without food each time.  Immediate-acting propranolol tablets or solution may be taken two, three, or four times a day. Take propranolol at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propranolol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Before you give propranolol oral solution,

tell the doctor and pharmacist if your child is allergic to propranolol, any other medications, or any ingredients in propranolol oral solution. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.

tell the doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products your child is taking or if you are a breastfeeding mother and are taking or plan to take any medications. Be sure to mention any of the following: corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), or prednisone (Rayos); phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); phenobarbital; or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Many other medications may also interact with propranolol, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications your child is taking (or you are taking if breastfeeding), even those that do not appear on this list. A doctor may need to change the dose or monitor your child carefully for side effects.

tell the doctor if your child was born prematurely and is younger than a corrected age of 5 weeks, weighs less than 4.5 lbs (2 kg), has a low blood pressure or pulse rate, or is vomiting or not eating. Also, tell the doctor if your child has or has had asthma or other breathing problems, pheochromocytoma (a tumor on a small gland near the kidneys that causes high blood pressure), or heart failure. The doctor will probably tell you not to give propranolol oral solution.

Unless the doctor tells you otherwise, the child should continue a normal diet.

If you miss giving a dose, skip the dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not give a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Propranolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:



dizziness or lightheadedness

tiredness

diarrhea

constipation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:



difficulty breathing or swallowing

rash

blistering or peeling skin

hives

itching

swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips

feeling faint

weight gain

irregular heartbeat
Propranolol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze. Dispose of any remaining propranolol oral solution 2 months after you first open the bottle.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.  However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.  See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all appointments with the doctor.
Do not let anyone else take this medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling the prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.