Propranol
Propranol Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Propranol is a brand name. Its generic name is Propranolol.
Introduction
Propranol is a type of drug called a beta-blocker. It has primarily been used to treat cardiovascular conditions, but is also used to treat conditions such as thyroid eye disease (Graves' ophthalmopathy), anxiety, tremor, migraine, and benign essential tremor.
Uses
Propranol is mainly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), and arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate or rhythm). It is also used to lessen the severity of migraine headaches or anxiety, to treat certain types of tremor, and to help people with certain heart or blood vessel disorders.
Mechanism of Action
Propranol works by blocking the action of certain chemicals in the body, such as epinephrine, that cause heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict. By blocking these chemicals, propranolol reduces the workload on the heart, decreases the heart rate, and relaxes the blood vessels.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Most people begin to feel the effects of propranolol in 10 to 20 minutes after taking a dose. The full effects of the drug can take up to 2 hours after ingestion.
Absorption
Propranol is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is highly protein bound, and its bioavailability is between 25-45%. Peak concentrations of the drug occur 1-3 hours after ingestion.
Route of Elimination
Propranol is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, and is eliminated via the kidneys or intestines.
Dosage & Administration
The usual recommended dose of propranolol for hypertension is 40-80 milligrams (mg) taken twice a day. The dose can be increased to 120-240 mg per day, if necessary. The maximum recommended dose is 640 mg per day. For angina, the recommended dose is 10-30 mg taken three or four times daily. For arrhythmia, the recommended dose is 5-10 mg taken three or four times daily.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of propranolol include fatigue, cold hands and feet, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, depression, loss of appetite, and nightmares. The drug may also slow heart rate or worsen asthma symptoms in some people.
Toxicity
The maximum recommended dose of propranolol is 640 mg per day. High doses of the drug can lead to serious side effects, including increased risk of arrhythmia, heart failure, and respiratory depression. Propranol is not recommended for pregnant women, as it may cause fetal death.
Precautions
Before taking propranolol, it is important to inform your healthcare professional about all other drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and any other supplements you are taking. It is also important to inform them of any changes in your health or medications that you are taking. People with diabetes, an overactive thyroid, or kidney or liver disease should not take propranolol without consulting their doctor.
Interactions
Propranol may interact with other medications, including anti-seizure medications, amiodarone, steroids, and cimetidine. It should also not be taken with grapefruit juice, alcohol, or caffeine.
Disease Interactions
Propranol may worsen the symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Raynaud’s phenomenon, and peripheral vascular disease. It also interacts with medications used to treat these conditions, such as calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, and digitalis.
Drug Interactions
Propranol may interact with other drugs, including blood thinners such as warfarin, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and narcotics. It can also interact with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before taking propranolol.
Food Interactions
Propranol should not be taken with grapefruit juice, alcohol, or caffeine, as these may interact with it and cause side effects. It should also not be taken with high-fat meals, as this may reduce its effectiveness.
Pregnancy & Lactation Use
Propranol is not recommended for pregnant women, as it may cause harm to the fetus. It is also excreted in breast milk and may affect a breastfeeding infant, so it should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute overdose of propranolol may include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, extreme weakness, changes in mental status, and seizures. Treatment for an overdose may include administering emergency medical care, including a intravenous fluids and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Contraindications
Propranol should not be taken by people with bronchial asthma, a slow heart rate, certain types of heart block, or circulatory collapse. People who are taking certain medications such as MAO inhibitors or ADHD medications should also not take propranolol.
Use Direction
Propranol should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. It should be taken with food or immediately after a meal, and should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. If a dose is missed, it is important to take the next dose as soon as possible.
Storage Conditions
Propranol should be kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. It should also be kept away from children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of propranolol is approximately 4 L/ kg. This means that for a 70 kg person, there would approximately be 280 L of propranolol in the body.
Half Life
The half-life of propranolol is approximately 3-4 hours, which means that it takes this long for the drug to be eliminated from the body.
Clearance
The clearance of propranolol is approximately 9-12 L/hr, meaning that the drug is eliminated from the body at a rate of 9-12 L/hr.
Here you find in details version of Propranol
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Propranol
What is Propranol?
Propranol is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, shaking (tremors), and other conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called beta blockers.
What are the side effects of Propranol?
Common side effects of Propranol include fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, depression, and diarrhea. Other side effects include headache, nausea, muscle cramps, decreased sex drive, impotence, and difficulty sleeping.
How do I take Propranol?
Take Propranol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may slowly increase your dose over several weeks until you reach the desired effect. Take Propranol with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsule.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Propranol?
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Propranol, as alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication. If you do consume alcohol, be sure to drink in moderation and avoid activities that require fine motor skills while you are taking Propranol.
How long does it take for Propranol to work?
Propranol usually starts to work within a few hours. However, it may take several weeks for the full effect of the medication to be seen.
Is Propranol safe?
Propranol is generally considered safe when taken as prescribed. However, risk of side effects can increase with higher doses. If you experience any severe or unusual side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Can I take Propranol while pregnant?
Propranol is classified as a Category C medication, which means it may not be safe for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking Propranol if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Is Propranol habit-forming?
Propranol is not known to be habit-forming. However, be sure to take your medication as prescribed and do not increase your dosage without consulting your doctor.
Can Propranol be used for anxiety?
Yes, Propranol can be used to treat anxiety as well as other conditions. However, it should only be used as prescribed by your doctor.
Can Propranol cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a possible side effect of taking Propranol. If weight gain does occur, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Propranol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can Propranol interact with other medications?
Yes, Propranol can interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins.
Can Propranol cause low blood pressure?
Yes, Propranol can cause low blood pressure. If you experience any symptoms of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, contact your doctor right away.
Can Propranol cause constipation?
Yes, constipation can be a side effect of taking Propranol. If you experience constipation while taking Propranol, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
Can Propranol cause headaches?
Yes, headaches can be a side effect of taking Propranol. If you experience frequent or severe headaches, talk to your doctor about possibly lowering your dosage or switching to a different medication.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Propranol?
If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, stop taking Propranol and contact your doctor right away.
Should I take Propranol in the morning or at night?
Take Propranol as prescribed by your doctor. Generally Propranol is taken once or twice a day, either in the morning or at night.
Is Propranol available over-the-counter?
No, Propranol is not available over-the-counter. It is a prescription drug that must be prescribed by a doctor.
How long does Propranol stay in the body?
The half-life of Propranol is approximately four hours. This means Propranol can stay in the body for up to 24 hours.
Does Propranol have any long-term effects?
Propranol can have long-term effects, but these depend on the reason the medication is being taken and the dosage taken. Talk to your doctor about any potential long-term effects that might apply to you.
Can Propranol be used to treat high cholesterol?
Propranol may be used to treat high cholesterol in some cases. However, it is not specifically approved to treat high cholesterol, so talk to your doctor to find out if it is a good option for you.
Can Propranol cause insomnia?
Yes, insomnia is a possible side effect of taking Propranol. If you experience difficulty sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
What is the usual dose of Propranol?
The usual starting dose of Propranol is 40 mg once or twice a day. Your doctor may slowly increase your dose over several weeks until you reach the desired effect. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Does Propranol interact with other drugs?
Yes, Propranol can interact with certain drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and vitamins.
Can Propranol be used to treat migraine headaches?
Yes, Propranol has been shown to be effective in treating migraine headaches. However, it is not approved for this purpose and should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Can Propranol cause difficulty breathing?
Difficulty breathing is a possible side effect of taking Propranol. If breathing becomes labored or you experience shortness of breath, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Should I take Propranol with food?
Yes, it is recommended to take Propranol with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsule.
How long does it take for Propranol to reach its maximum effect?
It can take several weeks for Propranol to reach its maximum effect. Be patient and follow your doctor's instructions to see the full results of Propranol.
Can Propranol cause dry mouth?
Yes, dry mouth is a common side effect of Propranol. If dry mouth lasts or becomes bothersome, contact your doctor about possible solutions.
Can Propranol affect kidney function?
Yes, Propranol can affect kidney function. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing kidney conditions before starting Propranol.
Can Propranol be used to treat high blood pressure?
Yes, Propranol is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. However, it is not a cure and should not be the only measure you take to treat your high blood pressure.
Is Propranol available as a generic?
Yes, Propranol is available as a generic drug. Generic drugs are often much cheaper than brand name drugs.
Can Propranol cause mood changes?
Yes, Propranol can cause mood changes. If you experience depression, changes in your appetite or sleep patterns, or violent behavior, contact your doctor right away.
Can Propranol cause blurred vision?
Yes, blurred vision is a possible side effect of taking Propranol. If you experience blurred vision, talk to your doctor about possibly decreasing your dose or switching to a different medication.
Can Propranol be used to treat anxiety?
Yes, Propranol is sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety. Talk to your doctor to see if Propranol is right for you.
Is Propranol a controlled substance?
No, Propranol is not a controlled substance and it can be purchased in most countries without a prescription.
Is Propranol a long-term solution?
Propranol may be used as a long-term solution for certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and tremors. However, it should only be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
Can Propranol cause hair loss?
Hair loss is a possible side effect of Propranol. If you experience sudden or unusual hair loss, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.
Can Propranol be used to treat heart palpitations?
Yes, Propranol is often used to treat heart palpitations. Your doctor can determine if Propranol is right for you.
Can Propranol cause kidney damage?
Propranol can affect kidney function, but it is usually not severe enough to cause kidney damage. However, if you have any pre-existing kidney conditions, it is important to tell your doctor before taking Propranol.
Can I take Propranol if I have diabetes?
Yes, Propranol can be taken by people with diabetes. However, Propranol can affect blood sugar levels, so be sure to monitor your blood sugar closely while taking Propranol.