Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Propranolol.
Breathing problems: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems or chronic lung disease should use propranolol cautiously, as it can cause breathing difficulty. Low doses of propranolol may be taken with caution by those with asthma who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other treatments. If you have breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how Propranolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propranolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Congestive heart failure: People with congestive heart failure should not take propranolol.
Diabetes: The signs of low blood sugar may not be as noticeable when taking propranolol. If you have diabetes and take insulin or other medications that affect blood glucose levels, discuss with your doctor how Propranolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propranolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed. It may be necessary to monitor your blood glucose levels more often when you are taking Propranolol.
Low blood pressure: Occasionally, blood pressure drops too low after taking propranolol, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Move slowly when moving from a lying down or sitting position to a standing position to prevent dizziness, especially when Propranolol is first being started.
Hyperthyroidism (high level of Thyroid hormones): Propranolol can reduce the symptoms that occur when you have hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones). It does not affect the thyroid gland, it only hides the symptoms of an over-active thyroid gland. Stopping the medication suddenly could worsen this condition.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Propranolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Propranolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propranolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Propranolol to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Propranolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propranolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Pheochromocytoma: Propranolol can worsen the symptoms of pheochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland) if it is taken alone. If you have a pheochromocytoma, discuss with your doctor how Propranolol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propranolol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Severe allergies: People with allergies severe enough to cause Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (a severe allergic reaction where swelling of the face, lips, and throat make it difficult to breathe) should talk to their doctor about what to do if they have an allergic reaction. Propranolol may make it more difficult to treat their allergic reaction with Epinephrine.
Stopping medication: Propranolol should not be stopped suddenly by people who are taking it to treat angina. There have been reports of severe worsening of angina and of heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms occurring for people with angina pectoris who have stopped the medication abruptly. If you feel that you need to stop Propranolol for any reason, talk to your doctor for the best way to taper the medication.
Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, inform all doctors involved in your care that you take propranolol.
Pregnancy: Not enough information exists on the safe use of propranolol by pregnant women; however, studies have shown that propranolol does cross the placenta. Propranolol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks. If you become pregnant while taking Propranolol, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Propranolol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking propranolol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: There is limited experience in the use of propranolol by children. Caution is advised with its use by this age group.
