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Generic Name: Propranolol
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Inderal LA is a special long-acting formulation of a propranolol, the
pre-eminent member of a class medicines called beta blockers. That means these
drugs work in part by blunting the action of adrenaline, the body's natural
fight or flight chemical.
People normally respond to stressful
situations with a rapid pulse, a pounding heart and an increase in blood
pressure. Inderal LA helps block such reactions.
Inderal LA is
prescribed for a wide range of health conditions including irregular heart
rhythms, angina, high blood pressure, prevention of migraine headaches or a
second heart attack and tremor.
Although the FDA has not specifically
approved its use for other purposes, doctors have employed Inderal LA to relieve
involuntary movements caused by major tranquilizers, stage fright and panic
disorders.
The dose will vary depending upon the condition being
treated.
Side Effects and Interactions
Inderal LA can cause a number of side effects.
They include slow heart rate, cold hands and feet, insomnia, nightmares,
blurred vision, sexual difficulties, nerve tingling, dizziness, nausea, stomach
ache, gas, diarrhea, indigestion, rash, arthritis and muscle pain.
This
medicine may also have a negative effect on cholesterol and other blood fats so
a lipid test before treatment and periodically thereafter would be prudent.
Inderal LA is a little more likely to affect the nervous system than
certain other drugs in this class.
Be alert for the beta blocker blues.
Symptoms of psychological depression, fatigue, decreased concentration, memory
loss and mood swings may come on slowly and insidiously.
Notify your
physician promptly of any adverse reactions, especially breathing difficulties,
fluid retention in the legs or a night cough.
Inderal LA can interact
with a number of other compounds, including several that are used to treat
asthma, colds, allergies, diabetes, and heart problems.
Arthritis
medicine and aspirin may also reduce the effectiveness of some beta blockers.
Propranolol may be incompatible with the herb astragalus.
Check
with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure Inderal LA is safe in combination
with any other drugs or herbs you may take.
Special Precautions
Some people should rarely, if ever, take beta-blockers such as Inderal.
Asthmatics and patients with other respiratory problems are especially vulnerable, because these drugs can make breathing worse.
People with heart failure must also be extremely cautious if prescribed beta-blockers because the medicine could lead to cardiac complications.
Never stop taking any beta-blocker medication abruptly unless you are under very close medical supervision. Angina or a heart attack could occur.
These drugs may also make treatment of diabetes and thyroid disorders more complicated.
Your doctor can tell you what additional tests and precautions you will need in managing these conditions.
Taking the Medicine
Inderal LA is more convenient than regular Inderal because its sustained release formulation
provides blood levels that last substantially longer in the body. This means that most people only
need to take one capsule a day.
To maintain a constant level of the medicine in your
system, try to maintain a regular regimen, taking Inderal LA at roughly the same time each day.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
I am on Amitriptyline, Propranolol Hydrochloride and Paracetomol to take care of my migraines. I thought I had enough for two nights, but I found I did not and I forgot to pick up my medication before the NHS Health Service closed for the weekend. As a result, I went three nights without taking my medication. I picked it up on the Monday but as I was going to be driving, I decided to hold off taking the medication until that night. That afternoon, I fainted. I believe this happened because I had missed taking my medication. Has anyone else experienced this kind of reaction.?
Posted by: MFH | January 18, 2008 12:01 PM