When it comes to medicines, it’s imperative that you equip yourself with the right knowledge. This comes especially handy with heart meds. Right now, we’re going to look into everything you need to know about propranolol.
Propranolol is considered a beta-blocker. It works on the nerve impulses in specific areas of the body, particularly the heart. With this medicine, the heart beats slower and more steadily. Of course, there are side effects and complications that you definitely need to consider before taking it. Then, there are certain groups of individuals who should avoid it at all cost.
Like any other medication available in pharmacies, studies have been made with propranolol. There’s new research into the possible uses for it as well. So, you need to understand how propranolol works. This well help both doctors and patients see if the medication is the right option for them.
What is propranolol?
As you already know, propranolol slows the heart down. This makes it beat at a rate that body can take. Moreover, it’s also known to decrease blood pressure. This makes sure that a safe amount of blood and oxygen is pumped through and from the heart to the rest of the body.
There are famous brand names of propranolol. The most known of which are Inderal, Inderal LA, InnoPran XL, and Hemangeol. This drug can only be purchased through a doctor’s prescription. So, nobody can avail of it over the counter.
Propranolol comes in tablet, capsules, an oral solution (Hemangeol) forms. There’s also one that can be injected directly.
What are its side effects?
Those who take propranolol should be made aware of the side effects. The most common ones are listed below:
- Diarrhea
- Dry eyes
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Feeling of weakness
- Hair loss
- Slower heart rate
- Wheezing or signs of bronchitis
- Changes in sex drive
- Changes in sexual performance
There are more symptoms, but many are considered mild. These also do tend to go away after a few weeks. Once the body is able to adjust to the new medication, the feeling of normalcy comes back. If the symptoms persist or worsen, then there’s definitely a need for you to visit your doctor to discuss options. Sometimes, the patient may actually be taking too much It may of the drug or taking contraindications that lessen the efficacy of the medicine.
As for the milder symptoms, here’s a list of what patients have reported with propranolol:
- Breathing problems or bronchospasms
- Sudden weight gain
- Slow heart rate
- Allergic reactions that include itching, rashes, and hives
- Swelling in the face, tongue, legs, ankles, or feet
- Cold hands and feet due to circulation issues
- Changes in blood sugar count
- Sleeping issues or nightmares
- Hallucinations
There’s a variety of side effects. For the more serious ones, a doctor will need to observe the patient closely in order to decide if they should continue to take propranolol. Those with health issues, particularly with breathing, such as asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema, should avoid propranolol. Those with slow heartbeats or a low blood pressure should also avoid it.
Should you be prescribed with propranolol, you should talk to your doctor. Tell him if you have a history of the following:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Blood sugar problems or diabetes
- Circulation problems
- Thyroid disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergies to meds
- Muscular disorders
- Depression
Women who breastfeed should also avoid taking propranolol. The chemicals in the drug could pass into breast milk and harm the baby. And, infants weighing less than 4.5 pounds should not be given this as well.
What are the uses of propranolol?
Propranolol is typically on its own. It can, however, be combined with other medications that also treat high blood pressure.
That’s because a high pressure also overworks the heart. If this problem is left unchecked or untreated, the heart and arteries may experience the usual wear and tear over time. And as you know, the heart controls the blood supply all throughout the human body. If this isn’t in its proper working condition, other areas can be badly affected. The domino effect could wreak havoc to your overall health.
The effects of propranolol may take a few days to several weeks to manifest itself.
Propranolol is also used to treat or prevent extreme headaches and migraines and chronic chest pains. It is also used to treat or prevent a heart attack. There are also other specific conditions where propranolol is helpful. Such conditions are the following:
- Portal hypertension
- Pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor of the adrenal gland
- Essential tremor
- Supraventricular arrhythmia, or an abnormal rhythm in the top chambers of the heart
- Panic disorders
- Aggressiveness
- Restlessness caused by antipsychotics
- infantile hemangioma
Is propranolol helpful with mental disorders?
A person suffering from mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will have the tendency for negativity. Psychiatrists have found several ways to help people who experience these rather potent emotions. A recent study published in Neurobiology of Learning and Memory shows encouraging evidence that propranolol may be quite helpful with this.
Propranolol can actually block the strengthening of emotional memories if it is taken right before the mind recalls what had happened. In a way, this serves to weaken the memory. As a result, the patient’s emotional attachment to the negative recollection weakens. This is especially helpful to those who’ve had past traumas that they can’t get over.
There’s also a study posted to in the Journal of Affective Disorders that shows how those with PTSD are more capable when taking propranolol. Hence, the studies have given hope to the other branches in medicine as well.
All about taking propranolol
Dosage varies from one person to the next. The correct dosage for one may be too much for the rest. This is why it is important to see a doctor who can make sure that the level given is ideal so that the person enjoys the desired effect. Propranolol can be taken orally or via a syringe. The most popular would be the medicine in capsule form.
Propranolol comes in two forms. The extended-release capsules slowly let the chemicals of the drug out into the bloodstream over the next 24 hours. That’s why most patients take propranolol once and see effects for the rest of the day. There’s also the immediate-release pills that begin releasing the components of the drug into the bloodstream right after the pill is swallowed. These are taken in multiple doses and the number of pills are dependent on the patient’s response.
Medicine interactions
Other medications may interfere with propranolol. If you’re taking something to treat heart rhythm problems, then it’s best to inform your doctor. People switching from other blood pressure medications such as clonidine should introduce propranolol slowly as well. Over the next few days, the doctor may require you to taper off on medications while increasing the dose of propranolol. This is done so that you don’t suffer from side effects.
Because propranolol is a beta-blocker, this should be the only medicine of its kind in your arsenal. Otherwise, your heart rate lowers down to dangerous levels. The same rules apply with ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and alpha-blockers, as these share the similar functions.
Remember, taking different drugs that serve similar purposes can cause a dangerously low heart rate. This could mean possible heart failure. Those taking propranolol should also stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. These lower the efficacy of propranolol.
Should you need to take NSAIDs, then you need to be closely monitored by your doctor. That way, he or she can help to decide which drug is best. More importantly, you’ll have an expert closely keep an eye on your heart rate.
For those who want to enjoy a night out, propranolol can interact with alcohol, but only to a certain extent. Drinking increases the levels of propranolol in the body, which means that the side effects could be amplified.
Alternatives for propranolol
Because of the complications and risks associated with the drug, you may opt to go for alternative medications to relieve the symptoms. A selective beta-blocker such as metoprolol may have fewer respiratory side effects for heart issues. That is, if you’re extremely worried about your respirator health.
Because propranolol is also prescribed for tremors and migraines, alternatives may be difficult. The best course of action would always be to talk to your doctor, the expert when it comes to respiratory health. He or she will know what is best suited for your condition provided that you’ve fully disclosed your health history.
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