Common uses of Inderal LA (propranolol extended-release)
Inderal LA is an extended-release formulation of propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker that reduces the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels. Clinically, it is used to help manage high blood pressure (hypertension), reduce the frequency and severity of angina (chest pain), control certain cardiac rhythm disturbances (such as supraventricular arrhythmias and rate control in atrial fibrillation as directed), and treat essential tremor. It is also commonly prescribed as a preventive therapy for migraines, helping lower the number of attacks and their intensity over time.
Because Inderal LA delivers medication steadily over 24 hours, it can smooth day‑to‑day symptom variability and improve adherence with once‑daily dosing. The long‑acting profile may be preferred when round‑the‑clock control is desired, including for conditions like hypertrophic subaortic stenosis or when sympathetic surges aggravate symptoms. While propranolol can help with performance‑related symptoms in some contexts, immediate‑release formulations are generally used for situational episodes; Inderal LA is better suited for ongoing, chronic management under medical supervision.
Dosage and direction for Inderal LA
Take Inderal LA exactly as prescribed, typically once daily at the same time each day. Swallow capsules whole with water; do not crush, chew, or open them, as this can disrupt the extended‑release mechanism. Inderal LA can be taken with or without food, but try to be consistent because food can affect propranolol absorption. If your clinician is switching you from an immediate‑release propranolol regimen, they will choose an appropriate total daily dose and schedule to maintain therapeutic coverage.
Initial dosing and titration depend on the condition being treated and individual response. Many adults start at 80 mg once daily, with adjustments at intervals (often every 3–7 days) based on blood pressure, heart rate, symptom control, and tolerability. Some patients may require 120–160 mg once daily for optimal effect; a lower starting dose may be used in older adults or those with comorbidities. Do not adjust your dose on your own—contact your prescriber if you experience dizziness, fatigue, slow pulse, or inadequate control of symptoms.
Do not stop Inderal LA abruptly. Sudden discontinuation can precipitate rebound hypertension, angina, or, rarely, serious cardiac events. If therapy needs to end, your clinician will guide a gradual taper over days to weeks. Keep scheduled follow‑ups to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and symptom changes, and to review other medications that may affect propranolol levels or effects.
Precautions before and during Inderal LA therapy
Tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions before starting Inderal LA. Propranolol can worsen bronchospasm in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; even low doses may pose risks in reactive airway disease. Use caution if you have peripheral arterial disease or Raynaud’s phenomenon, as beta‑blockade can increase coldness or discomfort in hands and feet. In diabetes, propranolol may mask signs of hypoglycemia (such as rapid heartbeat), so monitor glucose more closely and discuss target ranges.
Beta‑blockers can reduce heart rate and blood pressure; report symptoms like fainting, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, or swelling of legs. People with a history of depression or sleep disturbances may notice mood changes or vivid dreams. Discuss thyroid disorders, as propranolol can alter adrenergic signs of hyperthyroidism and, if stopped abruptly, may worsen symptoms. Inform surgeons or dentists that you take a beta‑blocker prior to procedures involving anesthesia to help plan safe intraoperative care.
Special populations require individualized consideration. Older adults may be more sensitive to blood‑pressure or heart‑rate effects. In pregnancy and breastfeeding, risk‑benefit assessment is essential; propranolol crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. Liver impairment can elevate drug levels; dosing may need adjustment. Always keep an updated medication list and allergy record, and contact your clinician promptly if new conditions develop while on Inderal LA.
Contraindications to Inderal LA (who should not take it)
Do not use Inderal LA if you have a known hypersensitivity to propranolol or any component of the capsule. It is contraindicated in severe bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, decompensated heart failure, and greater‑than‑first‑degree heart block, unless a functioning pacemaker is present. Patients with sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker should not take propranolol. Severe hypotension is also a contraindication.
Because propranolol is nonselective, it is contraindicated in bronchial asthma and should generally be avoided in significant reactive airway disease. Do not start propranolol in untreated pheochromocytoma without adequate alpha‑blockade, as this can precipitate a hypertensive crisis. If you are unsure whether a condition applies to you, seek medical evaluation before taking Inderal LA.
Possible side effects of Inderal LA
Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, low energy, and cold hands or feet due to reduced peripheral blood flow. Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea, or central nervous system effects like sleep disturbance, vivid dreams, or mild depressive symptoms. These effects are often dose‑related and may improve as your body adjusts or with a dose change guided by your clinician.
Less common but more serious effects can include an excessively slow heart rate (bradycardia), low blood pressure with fainting, shortness of breath or wheezing (particularly in people with underlying airway disease), and worsening of heart failure symptoms (e.g., swelling, weight gain, breathlessness). Propranolol can mask adrenergic warning signs of low blood sugar; in people with diabetes, watch for alternate signs like sweating or confusion and monitor glucose regularly.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop severe dizziness, chest pain, fainting, bluish lips or fingers, new or worsening wheeze, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Report persistent mood changes, unusual bruising, or pronounced coldness or pain in extremities. Never stop the medication suddenly on your own; contact your prescriber if side effects feel intolerable—there may be safer alternatives or adjustments.
Drug interactions with Inderal LA (propranolol)
Propranolol interacts with many medicines that affect heart rate, blood pressure, and liver enzymes. Combining Inderal LA with other agents that slow AV conduction—such as verapamil, diltiazem, digoxin, or certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone)—can increase the risk of bradycardia or heart block. Using it alongside other antihypertensives, alpha‑blockers, or diuretics can potentiate hypotension; careful monitoring and dose adjustments may be needed.
Drugs that influence propranolol metabolism can raise or lower its levels. CYP2D6 and CYP1A2 inhibitors like fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion, cimetidine, and certain quinolones can increase propranolol exposure, while inducers such as rifampin or smoking (via 1A2 induction) can decrease it. Propranolol may alter levels of other drugs, including increasing rizatriptan exposure (migraine therapy)—dose adjustments for rizatriptan are recommended. It can also affect warfarin, theophylline, and some anesthetics; clinicians may adjust doses and monitoring accordingly.
Additional considerations: Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can blunt blood‑pressure‑lowering effects. Concomitant use with clonidine requires special handling; stopping clonidine while on a beta‑blocker can cause rebound hypertension—your clinician will advise a sequence if changes are needed. Alcohol and sedatives may enhance dizziness. Propranolol can mask hypoglycemia symptoms when used with insulin or sulfonylureas, so coordinate a plan for glucose monitoring. Always share a complete medication and supplement list, including herbs like St. John’s wort (an inducer), before starting Inderal LA.
Missed dose guidance
If you miss a dose of Inderal LA, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up to “catch up,” as this can increase the risk of bradycardia, hypotension, or other side effects. To help prevent missed doses, set daily reminders and keep your medication somewhere visible but safely out of children’s reach.
Overdose information and emergency steps
Propranolol overdose can cause profound bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, shock, bronchospasm, low blood sugar (especially in children), seizures, and altered mental status. If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. In medical settings, treatments may include airway support, IV fluids, atropine, glucagon, vasopressors, high‑dose insulin‑euglycemia therapy, and other advanced measures. Early administration of activated charcoal may be considered by professionals if the ingestion is recent. Bring the medication container to the hospital so clinicians can verify the product and strength.
Storage and handling
Store Inderal LA at room temperature away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep capsules in the original, tightly closed container and do not remove desiccant packs if present. Avoid storing in bathrooms. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date, and dispose of unneeded capsules safely—your pharmacist can advise on take‑back options to prevent accidental exposure or environmental contamination.
U.S. sale and prescription policy: HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas
In the United States, Inderal LA (propranolol extended‑release) is a prescription medication. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas offers a legal, structured pathway to buy Inderal LA without prescription on hand by connecting you with licensed U.S. clinicians for an online evaluation. If the clinician determines Inderal LA is appropriate, they issue a valid prescription, and our pharmacy dispenses the medication—all within applicable federal and state laws.
This streamlined process preserves safety while eliminating the need to obtain a paper prescription beforehand. It includes identity verification, medical screening, medication review, and access to pharmacist counseling. Availability depends on your state, health history, and clinical appropriateness; not everyone will qualify, and emergency or initial cardiac care is not provided through this service. We dispense only authentic products sourced from trusted manufacturers.
Benefits include transparent pricing, secure checkout, discreet shipping, and ongoing support for refills when clinically appropriate. If you already have a prescription, we can transfer it or fill it directly. If you do not, our clinician‑led pathway ensures any initiation of Inderal LA is medically justified and compliant—so you can access therapy safely, responsibly, and conveniently.
