What is Propranolol ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Propranolol ER

• Follow all the prescriber’s directions. The dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Take propranolol ER capsules at bedtime.

• The capsules can be taken with or without food but must be taken the same way each time. 

• Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open, chew, crush, or break the capsule.

• Store propranolol capsules at room temperature, protected from light, moisture, freezing, and excessive heat.

What to do if you miss a dose of Propranolol ER

• Ask the prescriber how to handle a missed dose.

• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Propranolol ER contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have:

  • Known allergies to propranolol

  • Bronchial asthma

  • Heart block

  • Slow heart rate due to a problem with the heart’s natural pacemaker (sinus bradycardia)

• Doctors never use propranolol in people in cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening emergency due to severe heart problems such as heart attack, severe heart failure, or the rupture of a heart valve.

Propranolol ER warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking propranolol. Propranolol may need to be stopped before major surgery.

• Propranolol treatment requires regular doctor visits and lab tests to monitor the treatment and side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • A history of heart failure

  • Chest pain

  • Heart rhythm problems

  • Lung or breathing problems

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Overactive thyroid

  • Diabetes

  • A history of severe allergic reactions

• This medicine may cause the following problems: 

  • Worsening of angina

  • Worsening of heart failure

  • Slow heart rate

  • Breathing problems

  • Severe allergic reactions

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Propranolol can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes or who are fasting.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The dose will need to steadily decrease before this medicine can be stopped completely.

Propranolol ER interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

  • Drugs that treat irregular heartbeats

  • Drugs that affect the heart

  • Blood pressure medications

  • NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

  • Drugs that treat depression

  • MAO inhibitors (MAOIs)

  • Thyroid hormones

  • Corticosteroids such as prednisone

  • Cimetidine, dobutamine, haloperidol, isoproterenol, rizatriptan, theophylline, warfarin, zolmitriptan

• Propranolol is contraindicated in anyone taking the antipsychotic drug thioridazine.

• Avoid alcohol when taking propranolol.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Find more detailed information about propranolol interactions to avoid here.