Propranolol SR

Propranolol SR belongs to the beta-blocker drug classification and is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and prevent migraines, heart attacks, and strokes, as well as angina-induced pain. This drug comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid form for oral intake.

What is Propranolol SR? 

If you have high blood pressure, you need to take specific medications that treat the conditions. Beta-blockers, also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a group of drugs that blocks the effect of the epinephrine hormone, also known as adrenaline. It normalises your heartbeat, which lowers blood pressure.

Propranolol SR belongs to the beta-blocker drug classification and is used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and prevent migraines, heart attacks and strokes, and angina-induced pain. This drug comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid form for oral intake.

Benefits of taking Propranolol SR 

If you follow the instructions on your doctorā€™s prescription, you are guaranteed to treat high blood pressure symptoms and prevent related conditions, such as migraines, heart attack, and stroke.

When you use this medication, it slows down your heart rate to ensure the heart pumps blood throughout your body easily. It can also prevent the occurrence of painful symptoms of migraines, which include throbbing pain from the head to the face, nausea, and vomiting.

Aside from that, it also helps reduce the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis or an excess of thyroid hormone, which includes heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety, fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, and irregular periods in women.

How to take Propranolol SR? 

It is important to take this medication as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions to avoid any complications and effects. You can also refer to its patient information leaflet.

An important note to remember is that Propranolol SR is a sustained-release (SR) dosage form. This form allows for the slow dissolve of the medication so it is not metabolised and eliminated from the body shortly after intake; this means that you will not have to take this medication as often.

Dosage for Adults and Children Over the 12 Years 

  • High blood pressure ā€“ Take 80mg of Propranolol SR twice a day. If there are no signs of improvement or your blood pressure does not decrease, your doctor may increase your dose up to 160mg twice a day.
  • Migraine or angina ā€“ Your usual dose will start from 40mg twice or thrice a day. Your doctor may increase it up to 120mg to 240mg a day and split the dose proportionately.
  • Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia ā€“ Doctors will usually prescribe that you take this medication in 10mg to 40mg three to four times a day to treat or manage this condition.
  • Anxiety ā€“ The usual dose for this condition is 10mg taken three to four times a day or as necessary. It may increase to a maximum of 40mg.
  • Thyrotoxicosis ā€“ The possible dose for this condition is 10mg to 40mg for three to four times a day.

You can take this drug with or without food as it does not have any effect that can upset your stomach. As mentioned, this comes in three forms: tablet, capsule, and liquid form.  You can easily swallow the tablet and capsule whole with water. If you find it hard to swallow a capsule, some tablets have a scoreline that you can use to break the tablet in half.

If youā€™re taking the liquid form, a plastic syringe or spoon will be provided to ensure you can measure the dosage accurately. Donā€™t use a kitchen spoon as it does not give an accurate measurement.

Missed Dosage and Overdose

If you missed taking your daily dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if itā€™s already near your next dose, skip the missed one and take your next dose. Then, continue with your other doses as prescribed. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose. It is best to set an alarm to ensure you donā€™t miss your doses.

You may experience adverse effects if you take more than the required dose. In this case, you may experience a slowed down heart rate and difficulty in breathing. Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical help.