Generic name: propranolol [ pro-PRAN-oh-lol ]
Brand names: Inderal LA, Inderal XL
Drug classes: Group II antiarrhythmics, Non-cardioselective beta blockers

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Aug 26, 2024.

What is Inderal?

Inderal is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Inderal is used to treat tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Inderal LA are long-acting sustained-release capsules taken once daily. For angina treatment the dose can be gradually increased to three-to-seven-day intervals.

Inderal XL is supplied as an extended release capsule and is used for the treatment of hypertension. Inderal XL is taken once daily at bedtime.

Warnings

You should not use Inderal if you have asthma, very slow heart beats, or a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

Propranolol may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. Report any changes in blood sugar levels to you doctor.

Use Inderal only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Inderal if you are allergic to propranolol, or if you have:

• asthma;

• history of slow heart beats that have caused you to faint;

• severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital); or

• a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or heart block (2nd or 3rd degree, unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure Inderal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• slow heartbeats, congestive heart failure;

• bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorders;

• diabetes (propranolol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);

• liver or kidney disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

• problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's syndrome); or

• if you smoke.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Inderal?

Take Inderal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Adults may take Inderal with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Your heart function and blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery.

Your condition may get worse if you stop using Inderal suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Propranolol can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Inderal.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling light-headed or restless, tremors, fast or slow heartbeats, and trouble breathing.

What should I avoid while taking Inderal?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your blood levels of propranolol.

Propranolol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Inderal (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• slow or uneven heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• wheezing or trouble breathing;

• sudden weakness, vision problems, or loss of coordination;

• cold feeling in your hands and feet;

• depression, confusion, hallucinations;

• heart failure symptoms - swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• low blood sugar - headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or

• low blood sugar in a baby - pale skin, blue or purple skin, sweating, fussiness, crying, not wanting to eat, feeling cold, drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop for short periods), seizure (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.

Common Inderal side effects may include:

• dizziness, tiredness;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, hoarse voice.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

What other drugs will affect Inderal?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect propranolol, especially:

• cholestyramine or colestipol;

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• an antidepressant;

• heart or blood pressure medicine;

• medicine to treat an infection;

• medicine to treat a prostate disorder;

• steroid medicine; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may interact with propranolol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Inderal only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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