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Propranolol

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Warning

Do not stop using this drug without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped, especially if you have chest pain (angina) or heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure). If your doctor decides you should no longer use this drug, you must gradually decrease your dose according to your doctor's instructions.

When gradually stopping this medication, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop: worsening chest pain, tightness/pressure in the chest, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

Precautions

Before taking propranolol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have had a serious reaction to other beta blockers (such as metoprolol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), heart failure, certain types of heart rhythm problems (sinus bradycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), kidney disease, liver disease, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma), mental/mood disorders (such as depression), certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis), severe allergic reactions.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Liquid forms of this medication may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while using this drug, especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, make sure children eat regularly. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, shaking), tell the doctor right away.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Infants exposed to this medication during pregnancy may have low birth weight, low blood sugar, or slow breathing/heartbeat. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

See also Warning and Precautions sections.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, vision changes, trouble sleeping, and unusual dreams may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blue fingers/toes, mental/mood changes (such as depression), numbness/tingling of arms/legs, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain), very slow heartbeat, fainting, decreased sexual ability, increased thirst/urination, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), aching/swollen joints.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.