Inderal

Inderal is a prescription medication used to prevent migraines, decrease the severity of tremors associated with familial or essential tremor, and treat several other conditions related to the circulatory system. As a beta blocker, the drug is effective at decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. These effects can reduce the risks that accompany long-term hypertension. Inderal comes in tablet form and is usually taken several times a day right before meals.

 

What Is Inderal?

Inderal® (
 propranolol hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Some uses of the drug include:
 
It is worth noting that Inderal does not cure these diseases.
 
The medication may also be recommended for other reasons, such as anxiety treatment. It has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Inderal Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 
The medication is also available in a long-acting form called Inderal LA (see Inderal LA).
 

Who Makes Inderal?

It is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does It Work?

Inderal is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to and cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
 
By blocking beta receptors, Inderal causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as the workload of the heart. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
 
For people with migraines or an essential tremor, it is not known exactly how Inderal works. However, there are beta receptors in the brain that may be involved.
 

Effects

By lowering blood pressure, Inderal can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). By decreasing the heart's workload, the medication can decrease symptoms of angina, including chest pain. Although the exact mechanism is not known, Inderal can increase the survival rate in people who have just suffered a heart attack.
 

When and How Do I Take Inderal?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • It comes in tablet form and is taken several times a day based on your healthcare provider's recommendation.
  • It is best to take Inderal right before a meal.
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
  • It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
  • For Inderal to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
  • You should not stop taking it without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Stopping Inderal abruptly increases the risk of serious side effects (see Inderal Precautions and Warnings).
     

Dosing

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to Inderal.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Inderal Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Inderal. However, not everyone who takes it will experience problems. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
(Click Inderal Side Effects to learn about the possible side effects of Inderal, including less common but more serious problems to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
 

Drug Interactions With Inderal

Inderal can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Inderal Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Inderal and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Inderal Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take this drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Inderal may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
 
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Inderal Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

Inderal should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
 
Keep Inderal and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Inderal?

If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths

Inderal tablets come in a number of strengths, including:
 
  • 10 mg tablets
  • 20 mg tablets
  • 40 mg tablets
  • 60 mg tablets
  • 80 mg tablets.
     

Generic Inderal

Inderal is available as a generic medicine.
 
(Click Generic Inderal for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;