Inderal-LA: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is INDERAL-LA used for?

INDERAL-LA is used in adults for:

• Maintenance treatment of high blood pressure;
• Preventive treatment of angina pectoris (a condition associated with sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing, often associated with exercise).

How does INDERAL-LA work?

INDERAL-LA contains the medicinal ingredient propranolol hydrochloride which belongs to a group of medicines called beta-adrenergic-receptor-blocking agents (beta-blockers). INDERAL-LA acts to lower high blood pressure and guard against angina pectoris.

It works by the effects it has on the heart and circulation and also on other parts of the body.

What are the ingredients in INDERAL-LA?

Medicinal ingredients: propranolol hydrochloride

Non-medicinal ingredients: blue ink (60 mg strength), ethylcellulose, FD&C Blue 1 colorant (all strengths), FD&C Red 28 colorant (60 mg strength), FD&C Red 3 colorant (80 and 120 mg strengths), gelatin, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, white (all strengths)

INDERAL-LA comes in the following dosage forms:

Extended-release capsules: 60 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg

Do not use INDERAL-LA if you:

• are hypersensitive (allergic) to propranolol hydrochloride or another beta-blocker;

• are hypersensitive to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container. For a

  • complete listing, see What are the ingredients in INDERAL-LA;
• have had or currently have bronchial asthma or bronchospasm (a sudden closing of muscles in the throat, making it hard to breathe);
• have allergic rhinitis (for example, runny nose during the pollen season);
• have a heart condition known as congestive heart failure (a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood);
• have pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which leads to heart failure);
• are prone to having hypoglycaemia (episodes of low blood sugar);

• have any of the following heart or cardiovascular conditions:

  • bradycardia (abnormally slow heart beat)
  • hypotension (unusually low blood pressure)
  • metabolic acidosis (when there is too much acid in the body’s fluids)
  • poor blood circulation
  • sick sinus syndrome (a group of heart rhythm disorders)
  • untreated phaeochromocytoma (a tumour condition in the adrenal glands)
  • uncontrolled heart failure
  • Prinzmetal’s angina (a condition that produces chest pain and pressure while at rest)

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take INDERAL-LA. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• have a heart condition;
• have poor circulation;
• have a history of serious allergies;
• have a history of skin reactions;
• are prone to chronic bronchitis and emphysema not related to allergies;
• have diabetes;
• have a condition involving an over-active thyroid gland;
• have or have had a severe allergic condition involving the eyes and skin;
• have liver or kidney problems;
• are to undergo surgery;

• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;

• are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. INDERAL-LA passes into breastmilk.

Other warnings you should know about:

INDERAL-LA is not intended for use as a starting treatment or for emergency use. It is intended as maintenance therapy only, once your condition has been stabilized. If you have been on a medication that needs to be taken several times daily, your healthcare professional may switch you to INDERAL-LA which is taken just once daily. Your healthcare professional will tell you how to take INDERAL-LA and will monitor your response regularly while you are getting used to INDERAL-LA.

Use caution when driving or operating machinery while taking INDERAL-LA, as it may lead to fatigue or dizziness.

INDERAL-LA can cause abnormal blood test results. Your healthcare professional will decide when to perform blood tests and will interpret the results.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with INDERAL-LA:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Diuretics or “water pills” (medicines used to increase urine output, such as hydrochlorothiazide)
• Medicines used to control heart rhythm, such as disopyramide, amiodarone, propafenone, quinidine
• Warfarin, a medicine used to thin the blood
• Insulin, a medicine used to treat diabetes
• Medicines used to lower high blood pressure, such as guanethidine, clonidine, calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine)
• Rizatriptan, a medicine used to treat migraine headaches
• Digitalis, a medicine used to control heart rate and rhythm
• Epinephrine, a medicine used to treat severe allergic reactions
• Cimetidine, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers and pain
• Ergotamines, a class of medicines used to treat migraine headaches
• Chlorpromazine, one of a class of medicines used to treat mental health problems
• Lidocaine, a medicine used as a local anesthetic
• Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicines available with or without prescriptions such as ibuprofen
• Fingolimod, a medicine used to treat multiple sclerosis

How to take INDERAL-LA:

• Take INDERAL-LA exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.
• Do not stop taking INDERAL-LA or change your dose without talking to your healthcare professional.
• INDERAL-LA should be taken once a day, either in the morning or the evening.
• Swallow your INDERAL-LA capsules whole with water. Do NOT chew the capsules.

Usual adult dose:

One capsule, once a day. Your healthcare professional will determine which dose is right for you.

Overdose:

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose or take a double dose to make up for the missed capsule. Instead, go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you are unsure, talk to your healthcare professional.

What are possible side effects from using INDERAL-LA?

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking INDERAL-LA. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

Side effects may include:

• abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• headache
• trouble sleeping (insomnia), nightmares
• fatigue
• cold hands and feet
• numbness and spasms in your fingers followed by warmth and pain (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
• weakness

Serious side effects and what to do about them

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

Store at room temperature (15^oC to 30^oC).

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about INDERAL-LA:

• Talk to your healthcare professional
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website www.pfizer.ca or by calling 1-800-463-6001.

Last Revised June 16, 2021