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 Inderal LA (Propranolol).
Breathing problems: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems or chronic lung disease should use Inderal LA (Propranolol) cautiously, as it can cause breathing difficulty. Low doses of Inderal LA (Propranolol) may be taken with caution by those with asthma who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other treatments. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Inderal LA (Propranolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inderal LA (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Congestive heart failure: People with congestive heart failure should not take Inderal LA (Propranolol).
Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking Inderal LA (Propranolol). If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that affect blood glucose levels, discuss with your doctor how Inderal LA (Propranolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inderal LA (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed. It may be necessary to monitor your blood glucose levels more often when you are taking Inderal LA (Propranolol).
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking Inderal LA (Propranolol), causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Move slowly when moving from a lying down or sitting position to a standing position to prevent dizziness, especially when Inderal LA (Propranolol) is first being started.
Hyperthyroidism (high level of Thyroid hormones): Inderal LA (Propranolol) can reduce the symptoms that occur when you have hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones). It does not affect the thyroid gland, it only hides the symptoms of an over-active thyroid gland. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Inderal LA (Propranolol) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Inderal LA (Propranolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inderal LA (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Inderal LA (Propranolol) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Inderal LA (Propranolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inderal LA (Propranolol), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Pheochromocytoma: Inderal LA (Propranolol) can worsen the symptoms of pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland) if it is taken alone. If you have a pheochromocytoma, discuss with your doctor how Inderal LA (Propranolol) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Inderal LA (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. Inderal LA (Propranolol) may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with Epinephrine.
Stopping medication: Inderal LA (Propranolol) should not be stopped suddenly by people who are taking it to treat angina. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina and of heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring for people with angina pectoris who have stopped the medication abruptly. If you feel that you need to stop Inderal LA (Propranolol) for any reason, talk to your doctor for the best way to taper the medication.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you take Inderal LA (Propranolol).
Pregnancy: Not enough information exists on the safe use of Inderal LA (Propranolol) by pregnant women; however, studies have shown that Inderal LA (Propranolol) does cross the placenta. Inderal LA (Propranolol) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks. If you become pregnant while taking Inderal LA (Propranolol), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Inderal LA (Propranolol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Inderal LA (Propranolol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: There is limited experience in the use of Inderal LA (Propranolol) by children. Caution is advised with its use by this age group.
