How should I take propranolol?
Take propranolol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Take this medication with a full
glass of
water.
Take propranolol at the same time every day.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the pill
whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill
would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or
medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask
your pharmacist for one.
Do not skip doses or stop taking propranolol without first talking to your doctor.
Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon that you are using propranolol.
You may need to briefly stop using propranolol before having surgery.
Propranolol is only part of a complete program of treatment for hypertension that may
also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise
routines very closely if you are being treated for hypertension.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, so you may not even feel that you have high blood
pressure. Continue using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to use
blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store propranolol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
For regular (short-acting) propranolol: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If
your next dose is less than 4 hours away, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next
regularly scheduled time.
For extended-release propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL and others): Take the missed
dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 8 hours away, skip the missed dose
and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include slow or uneven heartbeats, dizziness, weakness, or
fainting.
What should I avoid while taking propranolol?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your blood levels of propranolol.
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