PROPRANOLOL HCL

Drug Name: PROPRANOLOL HCL

PROPRANOLOL HCL DESCRIPTION:
PROPRANOLOL - ORAL (pro-PRAN-oh-lol)

COMMON PROPRANOLOL HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Inderal, Pronol

PROPRANOLOL HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because propranolol reduces blood circulation to the extremities, your hands and feet may be more susceptible to the cold. Dress warm. Inform your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen hands or feet, confusion or depression, or a sore throat while taking PROPRANOLOL HCL. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE PROPRANOLOL HCL:
PROPRANOLOL HCL: Take PROPRANOLOL HCL exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not suddenly stop taking PROPRANOLOL HCL without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

PROPRANOLOL HCL WARNING:
If you have angina or have had heart problems, do not suddenly stop using PROPRANOLOL HCL without first consulting your doctor. If your doctor decides you should no longer use this medication, you must stop PROPRANOLOL HCL gradually according to your doctor's instructions.

PROPRANOLOL HCL USES:
PROPRANOLOL HCL belongs to a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Propranolol (amongst other actions) slows the heart and reduces hypertension (high blood pressure). It is used in the treatment of angina (chest pain), hypertension, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), migraine headaches, tremors, "thyroid storm" and pheochromocytoma.

OTHER USES OF PROPRANOLOL HCL:
PROPRANOLOL HCL may also be used to treat the side effects caused by the use of certain psychiatric drugs.

PROPRANOLOL HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking PROPRANOLOL HCL, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart, kidney, or liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung disease, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid gland. You may want to check your pulse every day while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor what changes in your pulse rate mean. Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking propranolol. PROPRANOLOL HCL should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Propranolol does appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

PROPRANOLOL HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of diuretics, cold preparations and nasal decongestants, reserpine, and other heart or high blood pressure medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

PROPRANOLOL HCL OVERDOSE:
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.

MISSED PROPRANOLOL HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered but not if it is within 4 hours of next dose. If it is, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

PROPRANOLOL HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.