Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Hemangiol (Propranolol).
Breathing problems: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems or chronic lung disease should use Hemangiol (Propranolol) cautiously, as it can also have the effect of causing breathing difficulty. If your child develops a cold with shortness of breath and wheezing, treatment should be temporarily stopped. If your child has breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Hemangiol (Propranolol) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hemangiol (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart conditions: Hemangiol (Propranolol) may cause symptoms of certain heart conditions to become worse. It may decrease the heart rate or blood pressure or may cause heart block. If your child has heart problems, discus with your child's doctor how Hemangiol (Propranolol) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hemangiol (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: The safety and effectiveness of this using Hemangiol (Propranolol) have not been determined for children with kidney problems. Hemangiol (Propranolol) oral solution should not be used by children with decreased kidney function.
Liver function: The safety and effectiveness of this using Hemangiol (Propranolol) have not been determined for children with liver problems. Hemangiol (Propranolol) oral solution should not be used by children with decreased liver function.
Low blood sugar: Hemangiol (Propranolol) may cause low blood sugar or make low blood sugar worse in children. The early signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, hunger or rapid heartbeat, may not be as noticeable when taking Hemangiol (Propranolol). In children, unusual irritability, sleepiness, nightmares, or crying out during sleep may be signs of low blood sugar. Providing a sugary drink such as fruit juice can help relieve these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat these symptoms if they occur. Episodes of severe low blood sugar can cause seizures or be life-threatening.
It is recommended that Hemangiol (Propranolol) be given during or right after a feed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar developing.
Pheochromocytoma: Hemangiol (Propranolol) can worsen the symptoms of pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland) if it is taken alone. If your child has a pheochromocytoma, discuss with your doctor how Hemangiol (Propranolol) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Hemangiol (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Severe allergies: People with allergies severe enough to cause Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe) should talk to their doctor about what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Hemangiol (Propranolol) may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with Epinephrine.
Sleep and mood disturbances: People taking Hemangiol (Propranolol) may experience increased sleepiness, difficulty sleeping, or nightmares, as well as unusual irritability or anxiety. If you notice any behaviour in your child that seems unexpected or unusual, contact your doctor.
Surgery: Hemangiol (Propranolol) may interfere with other medications used for surgery and contribute to dangerously low blood pressure or rapid heartbeat. If your child is scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in caring for your child that your child is taking Hemangiol (Propranolol).
Pregnancy: Hemangiol (Propranolol) is not intended to be used by women who are pregnant.
Breast-feeding: Hemangiol (Propranolol) oral solution is intended for infants and children and is not intended to be used by women who are breast-feeding. For breastfed babies, other medications that the mother takes may pass into breast milk and may interact with Hemangiol (Propranolol). Your doctor may change your medications to prevent these interactions.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Hemangiol (Propranolol) has not been determined for children less than 5 weeks of age. It should not be given to premature children who have not reached the corrected age of 5 weeks.
