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Inderal (propranolol) is a beta blocker predominately used in a range of heart and blood circulation conditions, though it does see use in other areas as well.

This product consists of standard tablets, which are typically taken 2 or 3 times per day. Some patients can achieve the same results with Inderal LA, a Long Acting version of the tablet which is taken just once daily; however, other patients find results are best with the multiple smaller doses typical of regular tablets. The condition being treated should be monitored closely if switching between regular and long-acting tablets. Note also that the two types of tablets are not directly interchangeable; the long-acting version will likely require higher dosage to produce the same effects.

Using Inderal

Inderal is an interesting medication that has seen a wide range of applications since its introduction in the 1960s. It is most commonly used to treat:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Angina (chest pain)
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate)
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)
• Essential tremor
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Some phobias

Treatment is difficult to summarize; it will, of course, vary depending on the condition being treated, but there are also many individual variables that will influence dosage, including age, weight, other medical conditions present, other medications being taken, and so forth. The effect of the medication from individual to individual can also vary considerably, even when other variables are very similar. For these reasons it's important to work closely with a doctor until the ideal dosage is determined, a process which can take several weeks to several months.

Dosage ranges from 10 mg to 240 mg per day, usually starting at lower doses and gradually increased until an effective dose is found. Daily doses are typically split into two or three smaller doses, taken two or three times daily; this is done to keep levels of the drug consistent in the body. The importance of taking multiple smaller doses, versus taking long-acting tablets, depends on both the condition and individual patient response.

Tablets may be taken with or without food according to personal preference, but once a choice is made it should be adhered to; that is, either always take tablets with food or never take tablets with food. This is because the medication is absorbed differently depending on if the stomach is full or empty; adhering to the same method ensures levels of the drug---and thus its effects---are consistent. For the same reason, effort should be made to space out doses evenly and take them at the same time each day.

Treatment with Inderal is often long-term, spanning months or years; it can continue for as long as the medication continues to provide benefit. If treatment stops, it's important to gradually taper down dosage; stopping abruptly can cause very serious---even potentially fatal---complications.

Effects may be felt quickly in some cases, such as anxiety, or may take several weeks to see full benefits, such as with high blood pressure.

Note that Inderal is a preventive treatment for migraines, it reduces the frequency and severity of migraines over time. It is not a "rescue" treatment like triptan medications; it needs to be taken regularly over the long-term to provide benefit.

Before Taking Inderal

Inderal, or any beta-blocker medication, should generally be avoided in patients who have:

• Chronic breathing ailments, such as asthma or COPD
• Any condition that causes slow heartbeats
• Sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker

Other conditions may put patients at significantly increased risk of side effects or other complications. Discuss risks and warning signs with a doctor before taking Inderal if there is any history of:

• Diabetes
• Low blood pressure
• Any heart problems
• Any circulation problems
• Kidney or liver problems
• Any thyroid disorders
• Depression or mental illness
• Any muscle disorders

Inderal can interact with a number of other medications. Check with a doctor or pharmacist if taking:

• Steroids
• Antidepressants
• Heart or blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners
• Prostate treatments

Also check with a doctor if regularly using NSAIDs (painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen, often available over-the-counter).

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Inderal LA (propranolol) is a beta blocker medication used to alleviate or prevent symptoms in a range of heart- and blood pressure-related conditions. It also sees some use in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches and to treat some phobia and anxiety disorders.

The LA in this product stands for Long Acting; the medication is steadily released over the course of the day, so it only needs to be administered once per day. In contrast, regular Inderal tablets are typically taken 2 to 3 times per day. If debating between these two formulations or considering switching, keep in mind that:

• The two products are not interchangeable mg per mg. The LA version usually requires higher doses to achieve the same effect as the regular version at lower doses.
• Patients switching to LA tablets from regular tablets will likely need to increase doctor visits until ideal dosage is determined.
• While once-a-day doses are convenient, it is not always as effective as taking multiple, faster-acting regular tablets per day.
• LA tablets must be swallowed whole and not crushed or dissolved; doing so releases all the medication and can be dangerous. Patients who have difficultly swallowing whole tablets will want to stick with the regular tablets.

In most cases, choosing between the two types of tablets is a matter of personal preference and individual response; the long-acting version works well for most patients but others will have better results with the regular version.

Getting Started with Inderal LA

This medication is used to treat a variety of conditions, most of which are related to blood pressure and heart or circulation problems, but also a handful of seemingly unrelated issues. Common uses include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Angina (chest pain)
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate)
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor)
• Essential tremor
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Some phobias

Treatment with Inderal LA typically begins with with relatively low doses of 80 mg per day, which is usually increased over the course of several days to several weeks to standard doses of 160 to 240 mg per day. Tablets are taken once per day, ideally at the same time each day.

It takes a week or two for full benefits to be felt. In the majority of applications Inderal LA is a long-term maintenance treatment; it is not a fast-acting "rescue" treatment, and rescue treatments should continue to be utilized as-needed. For example, if taking Inderal LA to treat migraines, it will reduce the frequency and severity of migraines over time, but if a migraine does occur patients should still utilize fast-acting treatments, such as a triptan medication. Likewise, Inderal LA will reduce the frequency of angina, but if angina does occur nitroglycerin can be utilized.

If treatment with Inderal LA ends, it's very important that dosage be gradually reduced over several weeks. Abruptly stopping---especially if the medication has been taken long-term---can cause very dangerous, even potentially deadly, complications. It is critical to consult a doctor about an appropriate discontinuation plan.

Taking Inderal LA with Other Medications

Inderal LA is often an effective treatment on its own, but it's also very common for other medications to be taken along with it. In most cases there are no problems, but some medications can interact with Inderal LA in dangerous ways. Of particular concern are:

• Steroids
• Antidepressants
• Heart or blood pressure medications
• Blood thinners
• Prostate treatments

Because of how Inderal LA works---it slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels---any medication that influences heart rate, circulation, or blood pressure has potential to cause dangerous complications if taken with this medication or any other beta blocker. Likewise, taking more than one beta blocker is very dangerous.

Even some seemingly-harmless over-the-counter medications, like NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc) can cause problems; NSAIDs can raise blood pressure. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before adding, removing or adjusting dosage of any medications while taking Inderal LA.