Generic Inderal

Inderal is commonly used in the treatment of angina (chest pain), tremors, hypertension, disorders relating to heart rhythm, and other diseases and disorders relating to the heart and circulation. Inderal is generically prescribed as propranolol and is a member of the family of medications known as beta blockers. Inderal has also been proven effective for heart attack prevention as well as reducing or preventing migraine headaches.

Not all patients will be able to tolerate Inderal well as it may make some pre-existing health conditions worse. Physicians should always know their patients’ medical history prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes low blood pressure, asthma, emphysema, diabetes, bronchitis, depression, sinus sick syndrome, heart block, slow heart rate, congestive heart failure, liver disease, thyroid disorder, kidney disease, circulation problems as in Reynaud’s syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or pheochromocytoma may not be able to take Inderal or might require special monitoring, testing, or dosing while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition, its severity, and the patient’s overall state of health.

Inderal is considered a pregnancy risk category C by the American Food and Drug Administration. Inderal is anticipated to cause harm or birth defects in developing fetuses, and is likely to pass into the mother’s breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Inderal. Women who believe they may be pregnant while taking this medication should call the prescribing physician immediately.

There can be side effects when taking Inderal and some of them might be very serious. A small percentage of patients may experience an allergic reaction when starting Inderal. A patient who is experiencing an allergic reaction to Inderal is likely to experience swelling in the face, including swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Some patients may experience other serious side effects such as cold and clammy extremities, slow heart rate, uneven heart rate, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, swelling of the ankles and feet, depression, nausea, stomach pain, and low fever with dark urine, pale stools, jaundice, and lack of appetite. These symptoms require immediate emergency medical care.

Most patients experience side effects which are less serious. The majority of patients complain of symptoms including insomnia or other sleep problems, fatigue or tiredness, disinterest in sexual activity, and nervousness and anxiety. These symptoms do not require emergency medical care but should be discussed with the prescribing physician as part of the follow up care.

Inderal should be taken as instructed by the doctor. Taking too much Inderal is likely to result in an overdose which is a medical emergency. Patients who accidentally miss a dose can take the dose when remembered or at the next earliest convenience provided it is not nearing the time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose of Inderal, patients can simply skip the missed dose and resume normal dosing. Patients who take too much Inderal may experience weakness, fainting, blue tinted fingernails and toe nails, dizziness, shortness of breath, uneven heart rate, or seizures or convulsions.

Other medications may react poorly if taken with Inderal. Patients who need to take additional medication, whether prescription, over the counter, herbal or supplemental, should contact the prescribing physician before taking anything. Medications with known interactions with Inderal include asthma medications, stimulants, diet pills, energy supplements, insulin, oral diabetes medication, clonidine, allergy medications, guanabenz, MAO inhibitors, and heart medications.

Patients who are taking Inderal should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages as this may interact with Inderal and should always use caution when driving or operating machinery. Inderal can impair the patient’s ability to react or think quickly.