Inderal LA

What is it?

An antianginal, antihypertensive and anxiolytic preparation which is a non-cardioselective β-blocker. Available as pink/purple sustained-release capsules containing 160mg of propranolol hydrochloride marked INDERAL LA. Also, HALFINDERAL LA, pink/purple sustained-release capsules containing 80mg propranolol hydrochloride marked HALF-INDERAL LA.

Medical Uses

Angina, high blood pressure, additional therapy in thyrotoxicosis, Also, treatment of symptoms of situational and generalised anxiety.

Dosage

Angina, 80mg or 160mg each day with a maximum of 240mg; high blood pressure, 160mg each day at first increasing by 80mg, gradually if needed, until condition is controlled. Thyrotoxicosis, 80mg or 160mg each day with a maximum daily dose of 240mg. Situational anxiety, 80mg each day, generalized anxiety, 80-160mg each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, patients with weak hearts should receive diuretics and digitalis, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, weakness, insufficient cerebral circulation, thyrotoxic crisis, tendency to exhibit allergic symptoms. Persons undergoing general anaesthesia may need to be withdrawn before planned surgery. Withdraw drug gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, patients with obstructive airways disease or history of bronchospasm (asthma), various heart disorders including heart block, heart shock, heart failure, sick sinus syndrome, serious peripheral arterial disease, sinus bradycardia, disease of heart muscle, Prinzmetal's angina, hypotension, right ventricular failure resulting from pulmonary hypertension, untreated phaeochromocvtoma (tumour of the adrenal glands).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cardiac depressant anaesthetics, theophylline, antihypertensives, ergot alkaloids, diltiazem, sympathomimetics, verapamil, clonidine withdrawal, CNS depressants, class I antiarrhythmic drugs, rifampicin, cimetidine, class II calcium antagonists, warfarin, reserpine, ibuprofen, indomethacin, hypoglycaemics.

Known Side Effects

Bradycardia, fatigue on exercise, cold hands and feet, central nervous system effects, disturbance of sleep, gastro-intestinal upset, bronchospasm, heart failure, low blood pressure, baldness, thrombocytopenia (reduction in blood platelets). Withdraw drug gradually if dry eyes or skin rash occur.