Propranolol is used for the treatment of tremors caused by angina, high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities and other cardiovascular problems. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attacks, to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines as well as in cases of hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, menopause and anxiety.
What is Propranolol?
Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication. It works by reducing the heart rate at rest, the amount of blood pumped by the heart in the body, the minimum and maximum pressure and orthostatic hypotension.
How should Propranolol be taken?
Propranolol is administered orally, generally in forms of capsules or liquid solution.
Side effects associated with Propranolol
Among the possible adverse effects are included:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Propranolol triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Feeling faint
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Short breath, swelling or rapid weight gain
- Sudden weakness, vision problems or coordination loss
- Cold hands or feet
- Depression, confusion, hallucinations
- Nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
- Jaundice
- Headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, restlessness
- In children's cases: pallor, cyanosis, skin redness, sweating, uncontrollable crying, food refusal, coldness, sleepyness, weak or shallow breathing and seizures or loss of consciousness
- Severe skin reactions
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Propranolol
Propranolol may interfere with certain laboratory tests. During this treatment it is good to avoid drinking alcohol. Moreover, you must avoid getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position in order to avoid dangerous dizziness.
Propranolol should not be taken in cases of asthma or greatly slowed heartbeat. It is also contraindicated in case of some serious heart disorders.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, to other components, to other drugs or foods
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially anticoagulants, antidepressants, heart or pressure medicines, medicines for prostate problems, NSAIDs or steroids
- You suffer (or have suffered) from asthma, heart rate decelerations that lead to fainting, heart problems, muscle disorders, bronchitis, emphysema or other respiratory problems, hypoglycemia or diabetes, low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disorders, pheochromocytoma or circulation problems
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform doctors, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Propranolol prior to any procedure.
