Propranolol SR

Common use

Propranolol SR is primarily used to manage hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This medication belongs to a group of medicines known as non-selective beta-blockers. In addition to managing hypertension, this medicine is also used for a variety of other health conditions. These include angina pectoris (chest pain due to heart disease), cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (thickening of heart muscle), prophylaxis of migraine headaches, essential tremors, and pheochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland).

Dosage and direction

Follow the dosage and timing instructions provided by your doctor. Do not change or exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication; do not stop taking it without their guidance. Adhere to the dietary recommendations given by your doctor. Propranolol SR tablet is taken orally.

Precautions

Propranolol should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. It may cause fetal growth restriction or low blood sugar in newborns. It is excreted in breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor before using propranolol.
Caution is advised in patients with diabetes, as propranolol may mask symptoms of low blood sugar. It should also be used carefully in those with liver or kidney disease, psychiatric disorders, or peripheral vascular disease.

Contraindications

Propranolol should not be used by individuals with a known allergy to propranolol or other beta-blockers. It is contraindicated in patients with severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uncontrolled heart failure, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and certain types of heart block.

Possible side effect

Side effects of Propranolol: Fatigue; Dizziness; Nausea; Cold hands and feet; Slow heart rate (bradycardia); Shortness of breath; Sleep disturbances; Low blood pressure (hypotension).

Drug interaction

Avoid combining propranolol with calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil and diltiazem), antiarrhythmic medications (such as amiodarone), certain antidepressants (such as fluoxetine and paroxetine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and diabetic medications, as they may alter the effectiveness and safety of propranolol.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Overdose of propranolol can lead to life-threatening bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory distress. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Storage

Store Propranolol SR in a closed container at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 30°C. Protect the medicine from light and moisture to maintain its potency. Always keep this medication out of reach of children.