Brand Name

Inderal LA {Akrimax/Wyeth}

Generic Name

propranolol hydrochloride, pronounced pro PRAN oh lol Hi dro Klo ride

What is Inderal LA?

Inderal LA is a medication to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, angina, heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It is also used to treat or prevent a heart attack, and to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. Inderal LA is available in sustained release capsules

Inderal LA may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Inderal LA

Inderal LA is in the group of medications called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect your heart and circulation by helping your blood to flow easier through your arteries and veins.

Inderal LA is in FDA pregnancy category C. You should not use Inderal LA if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Inderal LA you should stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. We do not yet know if Inderal LA can affect an unborn baby. You should not breast-feed while taking Inderal LA, as this medication can pass into breast milk.

While you are taking Inderal LA you should not drink alcohol as it may affect your blood levels of this medication.

Inderal LA may cause side effects that can impair your balance. Be cautious when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Continue to use Inderal LA as your doctor has directed, and be sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

You should not take Inderal LA if you have asthma, a slow heart rate, or a serious heart condition like “sick sinus syndrome” or “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker).

Before You Take Inderal LA

If you are allergic to propranolol you should not take Inderal LA.

If you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, myasthenia gravis, pheochromocytoma, a muscle disorder or depression you should inform your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have problems with your circulation, such as Raynaud’s syndrome before starting treatment with Inderal LA.

You should inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a thyroid condition before taking Inderal LA.

If you suffer from low blood pressure, slow heart beats, Sick sinus syndrome, congestive heart failure or have had a heart block you should tell your doctor before taking Inderal LA.

Continue to take Inderal LA even if you feel well. Stopping Inderal LA suddenly may cause adverse and unpleasant effects.

It is important for you to understand how Inderal LA fits into a complete program that your doctor may have prescribed for you. This program may include diet, exercise, and weight control. Be sure to follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Inderal LA Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• ACE inhibitors benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik)
• amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
• antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin) and imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil)
• aspirin
• clonidine (Catapres)
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)
• disopyramide (Norpace)
• dobutamine (Dobutrex)
• doxazosin (Cardura)
• haloperidol (Haldol)
• heart or blood pressure medications like amlodipine
• Norvasc, Caduet, Exforge, Lotrel, Tekamlo, Tribenzor, Twynsta, Amturnide), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), reserpine (Serpasil) and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
• isoproterenol (Isuprel)
• MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), and selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam)
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin) and meloxicam (Mobic)
• prazosin (Minipress)
• propafenone (Rythmol)
• quinidine (Quin-G)
• terazosin (Hytrin)
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Inderal LA. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Inderal LA

You should take Inderal LA exactly your doctor has told you to. It is important that you do not take Inderal LA in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Inderal LA should be taken at bedtime. You may take this medication with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time.

You should swallow the long-acting oral capsules whole. Do not chew, crush, or open them.

You may need to take Inderal LA on a long-term basis for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is important that you follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to be sure that Inderal LA is helping your condition and not causing you to have any adverse or harmful effects.

Inderal LA may cause you to have altered results for certain laboratory tests. Be sure to tell any doctor or laboratory you see that you are being treated with Inderal LA.

Inderal LA should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of regular or short-acting Inderal LA you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or your next dose is less than 4 hours away, you should skip the dose you missed. Never take extra Inderal LA to make up for a missed dose.

Inderal LA Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Inderal LA and seek emergency medical help immediately.

• allergic reaction including breathing difficulties, hives and swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• appetite loss
• clay colored stools
• cold feeling in your hands or feet
• confusion
• depression
• feeling faint or light headedness
• fast heartbeats
• hallucinations
• itching that is severe
• jaundice
• shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
• skin reaction that is severe and includes a 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.
• slow or uneven heartbeats
• stomach pain
• swelling of your ankles or feet
• urine which is dark

Less serious Inderal LA side effects may include:

• constipation
• decreased sex drive
• diarrhea
• impotence
• insomnia
• nausea
• stomach cramps
• tired feeling
• vomiting

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Inderal LA. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Inderal LA Description and Dosing

Inderal LA is available as 60 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, and 160 mg capsules for oral administration.

The 60 mg capsules are white/light-blue and are identified by 3 narrow bands, 1 wide band, and “Inderal LA 60”.

The 120 mg capsules are light-blue/dark-blue and are identified by 3 narrow bands, 1 wide band, and “Inderal LA 120”.

The 160 mg capsules are dark-blue and are identified by 3 narrow bands, 1 wide band, and “Inderal LA 160”.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing of Inderal LA. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Inderal LA you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Inderal LA

Inderal LA contains propranolol hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Other ingredients include cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin capsules, hypromellose, and titanium dioxide. In addition, Inderal LA 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg capsules contain D&C Red No. 28 and FD&C Blue No. 1; Inderal LA 160 mg capsules contain FD&C Blue No. 1.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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