Archive for the ‘Non-Selective Beta Blocker’ Category
Inderal is a beta blocker to treat tremors and angina
What is Inderal?
Inderal is a proprietary name of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for the non-selective beta blocker propranolol. It was the first effective beta blocker released for use and earned a Nobel Prize in Medicine for Scottish scientist James W. Black who developed it. Inderal is used in the treatment of hypertension, heart attack, angina pectoris, tachycardia, arrhythmia, tension headaches and glaucoma. It has also been used as prophylaxis for cluster headaches and migraine. Inderal has largely been displaced in the treatment of hypertension by newer selective beta-blockers. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals no longer market Inderal but there are generic versions available from a number of manufacturers. It is also used in the treatment of migraines and essential tremor.
How does Inderal work?
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers, block the beta receptors which are located in the body in various places including the cardiovascular system. When stress hormones like adrenaline bind to these receptors, they cause an increase in heart rate, and the elevation of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When Inderal binds to the beta receptors, it decreases heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the workload of the heart.
What does Inderal look like?
Inderal is available in a range of various colored hexagonal tablets with strengths from 10 to 160 mg. It is also sold in capsules with a strength of 60, 80, 120 and 160 mg. All capsules and tablets are imprinted with “Inderal” and the strength in milligrams.
Inderal dosing and administration
The standard starting dosage of Inderal for the treatment of hypotension is 40 mg twice a day. This may be adjusted after monitoring the blood pressure for several weeks. Up to 320 mg twice a day may be required to lower blood pressure, but the usual dose is between 60 and 120 mg twice a day.
Common adverse effects from Inderal
Side effects of Inderal may include bradycardia, congestive heart failure, low blood pressure, depression, insomnia, hallucinations and vivid dreams, memory loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, asthma, lupus, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease and low blood glucose.
Inderal warnings and precautions
Beta blockers may be harmful for the fetus if taken by pregnant women and may lead to premature birth or other complications. It is recommended that women using Inderal do not breastfeed because propranolol is present in the milk.
Interactions with Inderal
Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects from Inderal and should be avoided or limited. Inderal may interact with alpha blockers, calcium channel blockers, MAOIs, NSAIDs, tricyclic antidepressants or other beta blockers to increase the risk of hypotension and these combinations are best avoided. Certain thyroid medications may interact with Inderal and you should consult your doctor before using this combination. Inderal may also potentiate warfarin. You should ask you doctor whether your warfarin dosage should be adjusted.
What if I take an accidental overdose of Inderal?
Symptoms of an Inderal overdose may include tiredness, extremely low blood pressure, wheezing, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure and death. If you suspect that you or another person may have taken an excessive dose of Inderal, you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately. In the case of a recent overdose, treatment may consist of emetics or a stomach pump to remove any unabsorbed drug from the stomach. However once the drug has been absorbed treatment will be aimed at supporting breathing and heart rate while providing fluids through an infusion. There is no specific antidote for Inderal.