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:

• Diabetes
• Having surgery
• Heart or blood vessel conditions, such as slow heartbeat, heart failure, heart block
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Myasthenia gravis
• Pheochromocytoma
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to propranolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

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:

• Thioridazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Epinephrine
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Warfarin

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

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.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication. This may increase your risk of side effects, such as chest pain and heart attack. If you no longer need to take this medication, your care team will lower the dose slowly over time to decrease the risk of side effects.

This medication may affect blood glucose levels. It can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors. If you have diabetes, it is important to check your blood sugar often while you are taking 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.