Inderal, also known by its formal name, propranolol, is a beta-blocking drug. Beta blockers are used to manipulate the circulation of the blood as it flows throughout the body. Because of its effective properties along this line, it is commonly used to treat a number of disorders such as migraines. However, it is primarily meant to deal with heart issues such as chest pain, high blood pressure, and arrhythmia or heart palpitations. The key to the medication’s effectiveness, however, lies in its proper dosage and use.
Instructions
1. Make an appointment with a physician to make certain that inderal is the right drug for the type of heart palpitation being experienced. While it is used routinely to treat that condition, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is appropriate for every case.
2. Provide the physician with a complete family history as well as the symptoms that resulted in the appointment.
3. Disclose any other health conditions so that the doctor can make certain the drug will not affect them. Conditions to be concern about could include, but are not necessarily limited to, breathing problems like asthma or emphysema, clinical depression, hypoglycemia, kidney problems and/or a thyroid problem.
4. Inform the physician if the drug is pulling double-duty, like working to maintain heart rhythm as well as blocking migraine. This could have an impact on the dosage amounts of the prescribed drug.
5. Submit to a routine battery of tests, if required. These are likely to include blood tests and a urinalysis. It may also include a stress test (treadmill or chemical) as well as various tests on the heart like an electrocardiogram.
6. Check with the pharmacist to ascertain if the prescription might interact with any other medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs.
7. Take the entire dose of the drug as prescribed. Never stop taking it or alter the medication dosage without a physician’s permission and guidance. Elimination or withdrawal of the drug could cause heart arrhythmia or other heart problems to become worse.
8. Eliminate all alcohol consumption while taking the prescription. Failure to do so could have an effect on blood levels of the body, which could result in temporary or even permanent heart damage.
9. Notify a doctor right away if flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, diarrhea, constipation, mild short-term changes in heart rhythm, dizziness or loss of appetite is experienced.
10. Report immediately to an emergency facility if symptoms like severe stomach pain, inability to breathe, depression, hard or rapid heartbeat, blackout, hallucinations, abnormal swelling of the ankles or feet, serious rash or blister breakouts or weakness throughout a portion or all of the body is experienced.
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