Propranolol

Propranolol comes as immediate release tablets or controlled release capsules.

• The dose of propranolol will be different for different people depending your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Always take your propranolol exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much propranolol to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Immediate release tablets 
  • Take these as you have been prescribed (usually between 2 to 4 times a day).
  • Take your doses at the same times each day.
• Controlled release capsules (usually has LA after the name)
  • Take these once a day, in the morning – the capsules are designed to release the medication slowly over a few hours.
  • Swallow the controlled release capsule whole, with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush or chew them – this will release all the medication at once and increase your chance of side effects.  
• You can take propranolol with or without food.
• If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
• Do not stop taking propranolol suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

Here are some things to know when you're taking propranolol. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Avoid alcohol while you are taking propranolol, especially when you first start treatment. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness.
• Propranolol can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking including over the counter medicines or herbal and complementary medicines.

If you have diabetes

• If you have diabetes, propranolol may cause changes in your blood glucose level. This effect usually settles with time.
• Beta-blockers may reduce the warning signs of a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia – often called a hypo). For example, you may not have the feeling of fast, irregular or strong heartbeats (palpitations) or tremor, which can occur when your blood glucose is going too low.
• If you are worried about this, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your beta-blocker without checking with your doctor first. Read more about hypoglycaemia.

If you have asthma

• If you have asthma, taking a beta blocker may trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse. Not everybody with asthma is sensitive to these medicines.
• If you are worried about this, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine or increase the dose of your asthma preventer medication.
• Do not suddenly stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor first. This can be dangerous and make you feel unwell. Read more about medicines that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Like all medicines, propranolol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.