Propranolol is a nonselective beta-blocker, which reduces the amount of blood that is ejected from the cardiac chambers into the vessels. In this case, the myocardium is not damaged, even with prolonged use of the drug.
Composition and form of release
The drug contains one active component: propranolol hydrochloride. The standard amount of active substance in one tablet is 10 mg or 40 mg.
Indications for prescription
Propranolol is prescribed for cardiovascular diseases, tachycardias, and arrhythmias. The drug helps with hypertension and hypertensive crises and is actively used for the complex pharmacological treatment of heart failure and myocardial infarction.
Propranolol has been successfully used for therapy in attacks of angina pectoris and hereditary pathologies of the heart rhythm. If there is a predisposition to oncology of the cardiovascular system, the drug helps to slow down the division of cancer cells. Due to the high degree of purification of the main active substance, propranolol has been successfully used to prevent attacks of coronary heart disease and hypertension in the elderly.
Recommended dosage
Propranolol tablets should be taken orally.
The recommended dosages are as follows:
- In patients with increased arterial pressure: 40 mg to 45 mg two times a day
- In patients with attacks of an arrhythmia: 20 mg three times a day
- In patients wishing to reduce tremor and/or treat thyrotoxicosis: 40 mg once a day
Special instructions
The cessation of the treatment is carried out in stages, under the supervision of the doctor. A sudden abstinence from propranolol can provoke myocardial ischemia. In patients with diabetes, treatment with propranolol should be carried out in conjunction with the proper control of the glucose level in the blood. The drug should not be used simultaneously with neuroleptics and tranquilizers. The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden during propranolol therapy.
Side effects
Possible side effects of propranolol use include:
- Arterial hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Hypoglycemia
- Migraine attacks
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
Contraindications
Propranolol is contraindicated in patients with failure of the liver and/or kidneys, pregnancy in the first or second trimesters, and in individuals under age of 18 years. It is forbidden to use the medicine in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and/or in those with allergies to glycosides.