Propranolol Solution (Hemangioma)

What is this medication?

PROPRANOLOL (proe PRAN oh lole) treats fast growing birthmarks in babies (infantile hemangiomas). It works by reducing blood flow to the area, which reduces the color, size, and firmness of the growth. 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): HEMANGEOL

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

They need to know if your child has any of these conditions:

• Asthma (lung or breathing disease)
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Heart disease
• Low blood pressure
• PHACE syndrome
• Pheochromocytoma
• Poor appetite or feeding problems
• Slow heartbeat
• An unusual or allergic reaction to propranolol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medication?

Give this medication by mouth. Give it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Give it with food, during or shortly after feeding your child. Keep giving it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 5 weeks for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, give only that dose. Do not give double or extra doses. If your child spits up a dose or if you are not sure your child got all the medicine, do not give another dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This medication may also interaction with the following:

• Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone

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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your child's progress. Tell your care team if your child's symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Feed your child regularly during treatment. Tell your care team if your child has a poor appetite. Do not give this medication if your child is not taking feeding, for example, due to illness or vomiting, until your child is feeding normally again. This medication may make it difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar in your child.

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 sugar (hypoglycemia)—pale, blue or purple skin or lips, sweating, fussiness, rapid heartbeat, poor feeding, low body temperature
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure—pale, blue or purple skin or lips, unusual weakness or fatigue, cold arms or legs
• Stroke—staring, repetitive or jerky movements in the face, arms, or legs, pauses in breathing, poor feeding, favoring of left or right hand
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

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

• Change in sleep pattern
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

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?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after it expires or 2 months after opening, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.