Alprenolol is an antihypertensive drug acting as an antiadrenergic blocker of beta receptors (also called "beta-adrenergic blocker" or simply "beta-blocker"). The main effect of beta-blockers consists in a reduction of cardiac activity due to a decreased stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors: reducing the speed and the contractile force of the myocardium and decreasing the speed of conduction of impulses through the conducting system, and the response of the heart to stress and exercise is reduced.
What is Alprenolol?
The Alprenolol is used to treat angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias and it is used for treatment of hypertension in the long term.
How should Alprenolol be taken?
This medication is commercially available for oral use in the form of tablets.
Side effects associated with Alprenolol
There are several recognized side effects that may result from this medication, including:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Respiratory disorders: bronchoconstriction;
- Disorders of cardiac conduction, in some cases even cardiac arrest;
- Hypoglycemia
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Alprenolol
It is important to pay particular attention when prescribing or administering this drug to patients suffering from diabetes, asthma or heart failure. In case it is necessary to interrupt the therapy, the treatment should always be discontinued gradually to minimize the risk of angina and hypertension. In cases of pregnancy, the administration of alprenolol requires careful evaluation of the risks and benefits for the mother and the unborn child. Moreover, the use of the drug during breast-feeding is not recommended.
