Innopran XL

Innopran XL is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It is a beta blocker that works by blocking the action of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. This action relaxes the blood vessels and heart, and lowers blood pressure. Innopran XL is available in both brand-name and generic form. The brand-name version is manufactured by AstraZeneca. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than brand-name drugs.

Innopran XL is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to prevent angina (chest pain), and to improve survival after a heart attack. Innopran XL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Innopran XL if you are allergic to propranolol, or if you have asthma, very slow heartbeats, or a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure Innopran XL is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of heart disease, heart attack, or congestive heart failure;
• coronary artery disease;
• a history of blood circulation problems;
• a history of slow heartbeats that caused you to faint;
• a history of heart or blood vessel disease;
• a history of stroke, mini-stroke, or blood clot;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• diabetes;
• thyroid disorder;
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• liver or kidney disease;
• a history of allergies; or
• if you take insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

Some people have thoughts about suicide when taking this medicine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Innopran XL will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Propranolol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Innopran XL.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Innopran XL?

Take Innopran XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Innopran XL is usually taken three times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions about how often to take Innopran XL.

Do not skip doses or stop taking Innopran XL suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. If you need to stop taking Innopran XL, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Innopran XL. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take this medicine.

To be sure Innopran XL is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart function may also need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Innopran XL. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop using Innopran XL suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Innopran XL.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away any unused Innopran XL after the expiration date on the label has passed. Expired medication can be dangerous, and you should not take any drug that is outdated or no longer needed.

An overdose of Innopran XL can be fatal. Symptoms of an Innopran XL overdose may include slow or uneven heartbeats, dizziness, weakness, or fainting.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Innopran XL can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include slow or uneven heartbeats, dizziness, weakness, or fainting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of Innopran XL can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include slow or uneven heartbeats, dizziness, weakness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Innopran XL?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of propranolol.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with propranolol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Innopran XL.

Innopran XL