Propranolol Tips from Pharmacists

• You can take propranolol with or without food. However, if you are taking the extended-release capsules Inderal XL or InnoPran XL, make sure you take your dose at bedtime, either consistently with food or consistently without food.

• The dose of propranolol is different for different conditions. Make sure you understand the dosing instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if anything is unclear.

• Propranolol can cause dizziness, especially when you first start taking it and after an increase in the dose. Be cautious while driving or performing other hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Avoid drinking alcohol, as this can worsen side effects like dizziness.

• Avoid using tobacco products as they can make the medicine less effective.

• It can be harder to know if you have low blood sugar while taking propranolol. If you are on diabetes medications, talk to your healthcare provider about how often to measure blood glucose levels.

• Do not stop taking propranolol without talking to your doctor first. Abruptly stopping this medicine can cause serious health complications. Your doctor will tell you how to lower the dose gradually.