Health Centres - Inderal injection
How does it work?
Inderal injection contains the active ingredient propranolol, which is a type of medicine called a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers work by blocking beta receptors that are found in various parts of the body. Blocking beta receptors prevents the action of two chemicals called noradrenaline and adrenaline that occur naturally in the body. These are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' chemicals as they are responsible for the body's reaction to stressful situations.
Beta receptors are found in the heart. When they are blocked by propranolol the heart is made to beat more slowly and with less force. Slowing the heart rate helps to control abnormal heart beats called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can seriously undermine the pumping action of the heart and result in inefficient blood circulation around the body. Propranolol corrects the abnormal heart beat and thus can be used to treat arrhythmias. Propranolol injection is used to provide a rapid response when arrhythmias have become an emergency situation.
Propranolol is also used to control symptoms that are associated with an overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis), such as a racing pulse, sweating and tremor. This is because it blocks the effects of adrenaline. Propranolol injection is used to give rapid control of symptoms of a condition called thyrotoxic crisis. This is a severe worsening of thyrotoxicosis symptoms that can happen following shock or injury, or due to leakage of thyroid hormone from the gland when it is being surgically removed. Propranolol helps control symptoms such as rapid heart rate, extreme nervousness and a sudden rise in the metabolic rate.
What is it used for?
- Emergency treatment of irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)
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Emergency treatment of the condition caused by excessive quantities of thyroid hormones
Warning!
- This medicine may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar such as increased heart rate, tremor and nausea. People with diabetes should carefully monitor their blood sugar.
- Treatment with this medicine should not be stopped abruptly, particularly in people with inadequate flow of blood to the heart (ischaemic heart disease).
Use with caution in
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Diabetes
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
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Liver cirrhosis
- Conditions with poor blood circulation in the arteries of the extremities, eg Raynaud's syndrome
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Heart failure
- Slowed conduction of electrical messages between the chambers of the heart (1st degree heart block)
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High pressure in the vein taking blood from the gut to the liver
- History of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Not to be used in
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