Propranolol

How to Use

Generic Docitan (Propranolol) should be taken orally, usually 2-4 times a day. Take this medication before meal times and before bed time if taken 4 times daily. It is recommended to take Generic Docitan (Propranolol) at regular intervals throughout the day to enjoy its maximum benefits, as this will ensure there is always a constant amount of medication in your blood stream.

Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usual or recommended dosage.

If you take Generic Docitan (Propranolol) in liquid form, you should measure each dose with a liquid-measuring device or spoon to make sure you take the correct amount each time.

Overdose

Potential symptoms of an Generic Docitan (Propranolol) overdose include:

• Irregular or unusually slow heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Fainting or weakness slow
• Shallow breathing

If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed Dose

Notes

Do not share Generic Docitan (Propranolol) with others as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated with this medication.

When taking this medication, you doctor may want you to have regular tests and medical check-ups to chart your progress and make sure you do not suffer from any side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

Storage

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

Precautions

• Bronchitis, emphysema, or other disorders of the airways
• Diabetes
• Low blood pressure
• Heart problems, such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heart rate or congestive heart failure
• Mental or mood disorders, such as depression
• A liver or kidney disease
• Asthma
• A thyroid disorder
• Circulation problems (such as Raynaud's Syndrome)
• A certain type of tumor (Pheochromocytoma
• Certain muscle or nerve diseases (Myasthenia Gravis)
• Severe allergic reactions

If you have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take Generic Docitan (Propranolol) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

If you are diabetic, this medication may make it more difficult to control your blood sugar levels. You should have your blood sugar checked regularly by your doctor. You may also need to adjust the dosage of your anti-diabetic medication or your diet if you notice any symptoms of high blood sugar, such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more often.

Generic Docitan (Propranolol) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means it may be harmful to an unborn baby. Inform your doctor before taking this medication if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during treatment.
Generic Docitan (Propranolol) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. You should not use this medication without informing your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Generic Docitan (Propranolol) may reduce the blood flow to the hands and feet and make them feel cold. This may be worsened by smoking. You should dress warmly and avoid using tobacco products to counteract this effect.

Drug Interactions

• Alpha blockers (e.g.  Prazosin)
• Aluminum hydroxide
• Anticholinergics (e.g. Atropine, Scopolamine)
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g. Diltiazem, Verapamil)
• Chlorpromazine
• Diazepam
• Cimetidine
• St. John's wort
• Certain SSRI antidepressants. Such as Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine
• HIV protease inhibitors, such as Ritonavir
• Rifamycins, such as Rifabutin
• Certain anti-seizure medicines including Carbamazepine
• Anti-diabetes medication (e.g. Insulin, Sulfonylureas such as Glipizide and Glyburide
• Other drugs to treat high blood pressure (e.g. Clonidine, Hydralazine, Methyldopa, Reserpine)
• Epinephrine
• Haloperidol
• Other heart medications (e.g. Amiodarone, Digoxin, Disopyramide, Propafenone and Quinidine)
• MAO inhibitors (e.g. Furazolidone, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• Mefloquine
• Rizatriptan
• Theophylline
• Thyroid hormones (e.g. Levothyroxine)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. Amitriptyline)
• Blood thinners, such as Warfarin
• Digitalis (Digoxin, Lanoxin)
• Dobutamine (Dobutrex)
• Isoproterenol (Isuprel)
• Clonidine (Catapres)
• An ACE inhibitor such as Benazepril (Lotensin), Captopril (Capoten), Fosinopril (Monopril), Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), Moexipril (Univasc), Perindopril (Aceon), Quinapril (Accupril), Ramipril (Altace) or Trandolapril (Mavik)
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), Diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), Etodolac (Lodine), Indomethacin (Indocin), Ketoprofen (Orudis) and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Generic Docitan (Propranolol). Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Common possible side effects of Generic Docitan (Propranolol) include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Tiredness
• Diarrhea
• Unusual dreams, trouble sleeping
• Vision problems

If any of these effects persist or get worse, promptly notify a healthcare professional.

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Symptoms of a very slow heartbeat (e.g. persistent dizziness, fainting, unusual fatigue)
• Bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes
• Numbness, tingling or swelling of the hands or feet
• Decreased sexual ability
• Hair loss
• Mental or mood changes
• Trouble breathing
• Cough
• Unexplained or sudden weight gain
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination

Also inform your physician straightaway if any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Persistent sore throat or fever

It is unlikely you will have an allergic reaction to Generic Docitan (Propranolol), but if you do experience any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, you should seek emergency medical attention:

• Rash, itching
• Swelling
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list of potential side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any other side effects than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.