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Propranolol
Brand Names: Inderal, Inderal-LA, Inderide[CD], Inderide[CD]-LA,
Ipran, Apo-Propranolol, Detensol, Nu-Alpraz, PMS Propranolol
Overview
Inderal is a common brand name for propranolol. Inderal is one of a class of drugs
called beta blockers. It is an antihypertensive, antianginal, antiarrhythmic, and
antimigrane drug. Inderal is frequently used in combination with other drugs.
Inderal has not been specifically studied in children under 12, but observations
and preliminary findings indicate that children and adults react in the same way to
Inderal, when dosage is appropriatly adjusted by body weight.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Inderal is often used to help prevent a second heart attack, as well as to treat:
- angina pectoris (chest pain)
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- migraine headaches
- pain
- tachycardia (heart rhythm problems)
- a variety of heart-related conditions
Inderal is not FDA approved to treat psychiatric conditions, but it is sometimes used to treat:
- phobias
- aggressive behavior
- tremors
- schizophrenia
- withdrawal from narcotics
- side effects of antipsychotic drugs
- bipolar disorder
Warnings
and Precautions
In rare cases, Inderal may lead to heart problems or heart failure in patients
with no history of heart failure. For this reason, Inderal should be discontinued
if there is any indication of heart failure.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: There are some indications that Inderal can cause
harm to a fetus during pregnancy, but no conclusive studies have been conducted.
Inderal is not advised during pregnancy. Inderal is passed into breastmilk; mothers
should not breastfeed while taking Inderal.
Contraindications
Inderal should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:
- A negative or allergic reaction to Inderal or any beta blocker in the past.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): Inderal can cause a dangerous lowering of blood pressure.
- Asthma: Inderal should not be used in patients with bronchospasms or bronchial asthma, since Inderal may block bronchodilation.
Precautions
Inderal may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- Liver disease or impairment: a lower dosage may be needed.
- Diabetes: Inderal can block warning signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), as well as masking heart rhythm problems that may accompany diabetes.
- Allergies (hay fever) during pollen season – Inderal may block treatement of severe allergic reactions.
Adverse
Reactions
Inderal may cause the following reactions:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness / tiredness
- Male impotence
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Rash
- Skin itching
- Nausea / vomiting
- Dry eyes
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Inderal include:
- Alcohol (ethanol): slows the rate of Inderal’s absorption.
- Haloperidol: when taken with Inderal may cause a dangerous lowering of blood pressure.
- Aluminum hydroxide gel: lowers the absorption of Inderal.
- Phenytoin, phenobarbitone, and rifampin: these medications lower blood levels of Inderal.
- Chlorpromazine: when taken with Inderal, both of these drugs relative blood levels are increased.
- Antipyrine and lidocaine: Inderal may increase the blood levels of these drugs.
- Thyroxine
- Cimetidine: may increase blood levels of Inderal.
- Theophylline: Inderal may cause lower blood levels of this medication.
Sources
http://www.headachepainfree.com/inderal.htm
http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/inderal.html
http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/
http://www.astrazeneca.com/Patients/products/product_Inderal.html
http://bipolar.about.com/library/sfx/bl-propranolol.htm
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