Propranolol Injection

What is this medication?

PROPRANOLOL (proe PRAN oh lole) treats a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It works by decreasing your heart rate, which decreases the amount of work your heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called beta blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Inderal

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Circulation problems, or blood vessel disease
• Diabetes
• History of heart attack or heart disease, vasospastic angina
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema
• Pheochromocytoma
• Slow heart rate
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to propranolol, other beta-blockers, medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Feverfew
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aluminum hydroxide gel
• Antipyrine
• Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
• Barbiturates like phenobarbital
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Cimetidine
• Ciprofloxacin
• Diazepam
• Fluconazole
• Haloperidol
• Isoniazid
• Medications for cholesterol like cholestyramine or colestipol
• Medications for mental depression
• Medications for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Teniposide
• Theophylline
• Thyroid medications
• Tolbutamide
• Warfarin
• Zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.