What is Inderal LA?

Inderal LA is a long-acting oral pill made up of a beta blocker called propranolol. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative to this medication in 60mg, 80mg, 120mg, and 160mg!

What is Inderal LA used for?

Inderal LA is a medication that treats or prevents a wide variety of conditions, such as… High blood pressure. Untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower the arteries are, the higher the blood pressure. Tremors. Tremors are uncontrollable spasms or twitches most commonly in the hands but can also occur in the arms, head, vocal cords, torso, and legs. Tremors are most often caused due to neurological problems, but can also be due to metabolic problems and toxins (a common toxin being alcohol) that affect the brain and nervous system. Heart rhythm disorders.  Also known as arrhythmia, is a disorder that affects the heart rate, cause it to become abnormally fast or slow. This condition can lead to potentially fatal conditions such as heart attacks and blood clots. Preventing heart attacks. Heart attacks occur when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, most often due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or other substances in the arteries that lead to the heart. Hearts attacks can be fatal. Reducing the severity and frequency of migraines. Migraines are part of the headache family, and consist of a moderate to severe level of pain. Migraines can last for hours up to days and stay consistent during the entire migraine. Migraines are not only a constant pain in the head, but can also cause nausea, vomiting, stomachaches, and sensitivity to light and noise.

How does Inderal LA work?

Inderal LA (propranolol) is effective in treating multiple different conditions from something as small as a migraine to something as fatal as a heart attack because of its power to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart by blocking the action of natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Your doctor will tell you before prescribing you Inderal LA (propranolol) exactly how to take this medication. Follow his or her directions, they can usually be found on the prescription label if you forget.

Adults may swallow this medication whole, with or without food, but must be taken the same way each time. Take this medication at the same time very day as well; this will help ensure you do not miss a dose. This medication must be taken often to get the most benefit from it, skipping doses or stopping suddenly may cause your condition to worsen.

For hypertension (high blood pressure), Inderal LA is only part of treatment; ensure you are following the other half of treatment, which is usually a special diet, exercise or weight control plan. Follow your doctors instructions carefully.

Store at room temperature protected from moisture.

Before taking Inderal LA

You should not use this medication if you have asthma, a very slow heart beat that has caused you to faint, or if you have a serious heart condition such as sick sinus syndrome or AV block (unless you are assisted with a pacemaker). This medication may not be safe or efficient for you to use.

To ensure this medication is safe for you, you should also make your doctor aware if you have a muscle disorder, breathing disorders, low blood sugar or diabetes, slow heart beat (even without fainting), low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, depression, liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, tumor of the adrenal gland, or problems with blood circulation.

Tell your doctor if you are breast feeding, pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. This drug may not be safe for your baby.

Other cautions

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often while being treated with Inderal LA.

Women who take this drug while pregnant may find their newborn has a low weight, low blood sugar, or slow breathing or heartbeat.

Common side effects of Inderal LA (propranolol) may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps; decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; sleep problems (insomnia); or tired feeling.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Inderal LA (propranolol) may include:

slow or uneven heartbeats; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; wheezing or trouble breathing; shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain; sudden weakness, vision problems, or loss of coordination; cold feeling in your hands and feet; depression, confusion, hallucinations;

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

low blood sugar - headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;

low blood sugar in a baby - pale skin, blue or purple skin, sweating, fussiness, crying, not wanting to eat, feeling cold, drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop for short periods), seizure (convulsions), or loss of consciousness; or

severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

How long will it take for improvement of my condition when using Inderal LA?

It may take up to 1 -2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

What does “long-acting/LA” mean in Inderal LA?

Long acting medications are designed to release the medication in intervals. You will receive some of the drug when you first take the tablet and slowly, as the day (or night) continues, more medicine will be released into the body. This allows for a longer medicated period.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is within 8 hours, you may skip the missed dose.

What is the average adult dose for hypertension (high blood pressure), angina, and migraines?

Hypertension: daily intake of 80mg; 40mg twice a day.

Angina:  daily intake of 80mg – 320mg; doses taken two, three, or four times a day.

Migraine: daily dose of 80mg; 40mg twice a day.