Inderal
(Propranolol)
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.
Our bottom line
Inderal (Propranolol) is good for treating many heart problems and other problems in the body, but it has more side effects than other beta blockers. You can't miss doses.
- Price before coupon$58.44
- Lowest price with coupon$22.5861% savings
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (propranolol)
Upsides
- A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).
- A first-choice treatment for heart failure, heart attack, heart valve disorders, and abnormal heart rhythm.
- Also treats and prevents many non-heart problems, such as tremors, anxiety, migraines, and liver disease symptoms.
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What to expect from Propranolol, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
61Downsides
- Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but for some might not go away.
- Has more side effects than some beta blockers because it crosses into the brain and central nervous system.
- Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure according to the latest guidelines, except if you have heart failure or heart disease. As a second choice, your doctor might add it to medicines you're already taking if your blood pressure is still too high.
- Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Propranolol suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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What to expect from Propranolol, on one page
Download Fact SheetInderal (Propranolol) is an alpha and beta blocker. It lowers blood pressure by slowing heart rate, relaxing blood vessels, and lowering the body's fight-or-flight response.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (propranolol)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$23.71
- CostcoGet free coupon$24.47
What to expect when you take Inderal (Propranolol) for Lowers blood pressure
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Low heart rate
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Sleep problems
- Feeling cold in arms and legs
- Breathing problems
Side effect rates for Inderal (Propranolol)
- Dizziness7%7%2%2%
- Fatigue5%5%3%3%
- Constipation3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Propranolol.
People taking Propranolol felt side effect more
People taking Propranolol felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Inderal (Propranolol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Suddenly stopping Inderal (Propranolol)
Do not stop taking Inderal (Propranolol) suddenly without talking to your doctor as chest pain or angina may become increased. Stopping Inderal (Propranolol) suddenly may start a heart attack. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in stopping this medication.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Inderal (Propranolol)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.