Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: PROPRANOLOL (proe-PRAN-oh-lole)
This medicine is a beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and angina pectoris (chest pain). It is also used after a heart attack. This medicine is also used to prevent migraine attacks and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medicine, you must stop this medicine gradually according to your doctor's instructions. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking mibefradil or theophylline. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, barbiturates, cimetidine, clonidine, digoxin, disopyramide, flecainide, indomethacin, insulin, ketanserin, phenothiazines, prazosin, quinidine, verapamil, or medicine for thyroid conditions. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Down syndrome, adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma), or a history of other heart problems (such as angina, congestive heart failure, slow heartbeat), liver or kidney problems, blood vessel disease, lung or breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, low blood sugar, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have you have moderate to severe heart block, uncontrolled heart failure, shock caused by serious heart problems, very slow heartbeat with heart block, very low blood pressure after a heart attack, asthma, or Raynaud syndrome. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CHILDREN with diabetes or heart failure. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine at the same time every day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including heart function and blood pressure checks may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. IF YOUR DOCTOR HAS INSTRUCTED YOU TO CHECK your blood pressure and heart rate regularly, be sure to do so. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS, including the glaucoma screening test. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. ALCOHOL, HOT WEATHER, EXERCISE, AND FEVER can increase dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while you are using this medicine. BEFORE TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines used to treat colds or congestion. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: this medicine may mask signs of low blood sugar such as a rapid heartbeat. Check blood glucose levels regularly.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness; lightheadedness or dizziness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience sudden unusual weight gain or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or slow or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed heartbeat and dizziness and weakness especially upon standing.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.