What is Propranolol Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Propranolol Hcl

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• This medicine may come with a medication guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• How to take propranolol tablets

  • Take propranolol tablets with food.

  • Swallow the propranolol tablet whole.

  • Store propranolol tablets at room temperature and protect them from light.

• How to take propranolol capsules

  • Take propranolol capsules at bedtime.

  • Propranolol capsules can be taken with or without food but must be taken the same way each time. 

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, break, or open the capsule.

  • Store propranolol capsules at room temperature, protected from light, moisture, freezing, and excessive heat.

• How to take propranolol oral solution

  • Take the oral solution with food.

  • There is no need to shake the bottle before measuring a dose. 

  • Measure doses with the calibrated oral syringe that comes with this medicine.

  • Store propranolol oral solution at room temperature, protected from freezing or excessive heat.

• How to give Hemangeol to a baby

  • Give the baby two doses a day spaced at least 9 hours apart.

  • Always give the baby a Hemangeol dose while feeding or immediately after feeding.

  • Do not give the baby Hemangeol if it’s vomiting, not eating, or has signs of low blood sugar.

  • There is no need to shake the bottle before measuring a dose. 

  • Insert the oral syringe into the baby’s mouth against the inside of a cheek and slowly squirt it into its mouth.

  • You can also mix the dose with milk or juice in the baby’s bottle.

  • Keep the baby upright for a few minutes after it’s swallowed the dose.

  • If the baby spits out or vomits up the dose, do not give it another dose until the next scheduled dose.

  • Store Hemangeol at room temperature. Do not freeze it.

  • Throw away the open bottle after 2 months, even if there’s some medicine left over.

What to do if you miss a dose of Propranolol Hcl

• For propranolol tablets or oral solution, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• For propranolol capsules, ask the doctor what to do if a dose is missed.

• If a dose of Hemangeol is missed, skip the missed dose. Just give the next dose at its regularly scheduled time.

• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Propranolol Hcl contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have:

  • Lung diseases such as COPD or asthma 

  • Certain types of heart problems (heart block, sinus bradycardia, cardiogenic shock)

  • Had an allergic reaction to propranolol 

• Hemangeol should not be given to:

  • Infants who are vomiting or not eating

  • Premature babies younger than 5 weeks of age

  • Babies weighing less than 2 kilograms

  • Infants with a slow heart rate (less than 80 beats per minute)

  • Infants with low blood pressure

  • Infants with asthma

  • Infants with adrenal gland cancer

  • Infants who have had an allergic reaction to propranolol

Propranolol Hcl warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor may need to do lab tests regularly to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Tell your doctor if you have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Breathing problems such as bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema

  • Angina (chest pain)

  • Heart failure

  • Diabetes

  • Overactive thyroid

  • Adrenal gland cancer

  • Congenital heart problems

  • A history of severe allergic reactions

• This medicine may cause the following problems: 

  • Worsening of angina

  • Worsening of heart failure

  • Slow heart rate

  • Breathing problems

  • Stroke (in children with severe blood vessel problems in the brain)

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

Propranolol Hcl interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use before taking amitriptyline.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how propranolol works or increase the risk or severity of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking:

  • Blood pressure medications

  • Drugs that treat heart rhythm abnormalities

  • NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

  • Drugs that treat high cholesterol

  • Steroids such as prednisone

  • Migraine treatments called triptans

  • Drugs that treat depression

  • MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Epinephrine, a rescue medicine for severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks

  • The asthma or COPD treatment theophylline

  • The anti-seizure drugs phenytoin or carbamazepine

  • The blood thinner warfarin

  • The over-the-counter heartburn drug cimetidine

• Do not drink alcohol when taking propranolol.

Find more detailed information about propranolol interactions to avoid here.