Apo-Propranolol general information

What is Apo-Propranolol used for?

Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg are used to treat a variety of conditions including control of essential hypertension (high blood pressure when at rest) and renal hypertension (high blood pressure caused by kidney disease); management of angina pectoris (chest pain) due to coronary atherosclerosis and long term prophylaxis (treatment to prevent recurrence) after recovery from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack); and to control most forms of cardiac dysrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).  Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg are also used to control anxiety and increased heartbeat due to anxiety (anxiety tachycardia); for prophylaxis of migraine; management of essential tremor; as an adjunctive treatment in the management thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid); also for management of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (thickening of the heart muscle causing the heart to pump less efficiently and obstructing blood flow).  Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg are also used to manage phaeochromocytoma, a tumour of the adrenal gland that results in difficulty controlling blood pressure, in conjunction with an alpha-adrenoreceptor blocking medicine.  Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg work through a common mechanism in several different body systems to manage the condition and relieve symptoms.

How does Apo-Propranolol work?

Apo-Propranolol 40mg contains propanolol, which is a nonselective beta-blocker or antagonist that binds to the beta-receptor and acts by blocking the action of chemicals called catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine), which are released by the adrenal glands in response to nerve stimulation during physical and mental stress.  Adrenaline works via beta-receptors in the heart to stimulate increased heart rate and constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels.  Propanolol in Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg blocks these actions of adrenaline, to slow heart rate, dilate (widen) blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and increase blood flow and oxygen to the heart.  Since beta-receptors are found in many tissues, particularly the heart, kidneys, vascular smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, lung, skeletal muscle and liver, all short-term and long-term symptom relief due to taking Apo-Propranolol 40, is based on blocking beta-receptors in the target tissue. 

What does Apo-Propranolol contain?

Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg contain the active ingredient propanolol hydrochloride, a beta blocker used to treat hypertension and various heart conditions. They also contain lactose monohydrate, corn starch, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, povidone, Sunset Yellow (CI15985), Quinoline Yellow (CI47005), Brilliant Blue (CI42090).

Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) with Apo-Propranolol

Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg contain propanolol, a beta-blocker that blocks the action of adrenaline (epinephrine); released by the adrenal glands in response to nerve stimulation (for example due to stress).  Adrenaline stimulates beta-receptors in blood vessel walls, causing blood vessels to constrict (narrow) which reduces blood flow and raises blood pressure.  Apo-Propranolol 40mg tablets are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) by widening blood vessels (vasodilation), reducing heart rate (number of heart beats) and reducing the force of the heart contraction.  These actions lower blood pressure and help the heart to cope better.   

Apo-Propranolol for angina

Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg contain propanolol, a beta-blocker that blocks the action of adrenaline (epinephrine); released by the adrenal glands in response to nerve stimulation (for example due to stress).  Adrenaline stimulates beta-receptors in the heart muscle, which increases heart rate and the strength of muscular contraction in response to excitement/physical exertion.  Apo-Propranolol 40 is used for management of angina by reducing heart rate and force of contraction of the heart, and widening blood vessels.  When the heart does not have to work as hard, it requires less oxygen and the reduced workload relieves symptoms of angina, such as chest pain and breathlessness on exertion.  

What are the side effects of Apo-Propranolol?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg include, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, bradycardia (slow heart rate), tiredness, dizziness, hypotension (low heart rate), coldness of the extremities, peripheral vasoconstriction, sleep disturbances or nightmares, hair loss, mood changes or confusion,.

When should Apo-Propranolol not be used?

You should not use Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg if you:

• are allergic to propranolol or any ingredients in Apo-Propranolol
• have a history of bronchial asthma or bronchospasm
• are diabetic and taking hypoglycaemic therapy as propranolol may prolong the hypoglycaemic response to insulin
• have, poor peripheral blood circulation, uncontrolled heart failure, low blood pressure (hypotension), metabolic acidosis (too much acid in your blood) or a certain type of angina called Prinzmetal's angina
• have a phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland) which is not already being treated with other medicines
• have certain other heart problems
• are taking medication that may interact with Apo-Propranolol-40, including: other medicines for high blood pressure angina or an irregular heart beat such as calcium channel blockers (disopyramide) digoxin, clonidine, hydralazine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine; adrenaline for emergencies like anaphylaxis; ergotamine and derivatives for migraine; antiinflammatories like ibuprofen or indomethacin; cimetidine for reflux and ulcers; chlorpromazine for psychiatric disorders

What medications interact with Apo-Propranolol?

Several medications interact with Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Apo-Propranolol or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Apo-Propranolol: other medicines for high blood pressure angina or an irregular heart beat such as calcium channel blockers (disopyramide) digoxin, clonidine, hydralazine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine, ergotamine and derivatives for migraine
• Drugs that affect Apo-Propranolol: adrenaline for emergencies like anaphylaxis, cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, chlorpromazine for psychiatric disorders, antiinflammatories like ibuprofen or indomethacin
• Drugs that are affected by Apo-Propranolol: chlorpromazine for psychiatric disorders

How should Apo-Propranolol be taken?

You should take your Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg with a glass of water, with or without food.  The number of tablets you take each day, how often you take them depends on the condition you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations.  You should continue take your Apo-Propranolol-40 tablets every day, as instructed and if you are advised to stop taking them, withdrawal should be gradual and treatment should not be discontinued abruptly.  You should continue take your Apo-Propranolol-40 tablets for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for a few days or weeks or longer, depending on the condition you are being treated for. 

How long should you take Apo-Propranolol?

You should continue take your Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for a few days or weeks or longer, depending on the condition you are being treated for. 

Missed dose of Apo-Propranolol

If you miss a dose of Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Apo-Propranolol be stored?

You should store your Apo-Propranolol tablets 40mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.