Product introduction
Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR is a sustained-release beta-blocker used to manage several heart and circulation-related conditions and to help prevent migraine attacks. It is prescribed for high blood pressure, certain irregular heart rhythms and the chest pain of angina, and it can also ease the physical signs of anxiety such as a racing heart and trembling. Take it exactly in the dose and for the duration advised by your doctor, with or without food. Continue the medicine even when you feel well, as it works over the long term, and never stop it abruptly without medical advice.
Storage: Store below 30°C, in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
Uses of Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR
- Prevention of angina (heart-related chest pain)
- Prevention of migraine
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Anxiety and its physical symptoms
- Tremors
Benefits of Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR
Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels so that blood flows more easily. This lowers the strain on the heart, helps control blood pressure and reduces the frequency of angina episodes. For people prone to migraines, it can make attacks less frequent by steadying blood flow, and for anxiety it can calm the physical symptoms like palpitations and shakiness.
Side effects of Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR
Most side effects do not require medical attention and go away as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if they persist.
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
How to use Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR
Take this medicine in the dose and for the length of time your doctor prescribes. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush or break it. It may be taken with or without food, but try to take it at the same time each day. Avoid taking it with very high-fat meals.
How Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR works
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker. It blocks the effect of stress hormones such as adrenaline on the heart, which slows the heart rate and reduces the force of each beat while helping blood vessels relax. The result is lower blood pressure, less workload on the heart and steadier blood flow, which together help prevent angina and migraine.
Substitutes for Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR
No other medicine with the same composition is listed in our catalogue yet. Message us on WhatsApp and our pharmacist will help you find a suitable alternative.
Safety advice
Alcohol should be used with caution with Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR, as the combination may lower blood pressure further and increase dizziness. Check with your doctor.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not fully established. Use it only if your doctor decides the benefit outweighs the possible risk.
This medicine should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise monitoring the baby or pausing breastfeeding during treatment.
This medicine can cause tiredness, dizziness or blurred vision that may reduce your alertness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these effects.
It is generally safe for people with kidney disease, and no dose change is usually needed. Follow your doctor's advice.
It should be used with caution in people with liver problems, and your doctor may adjust the dose.
Quick tips
- Take it at the same time every day, with or without food, to keep steady levels in your body.
- Do not stop the medicine suddenly, as this can worsen chest pain or trigger heart problems; your doctor will lower the dose gradually if it needs stopping.
- It can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar, so if you have diabetes monitor your sugar levels carefully.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma or breathing problems, as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
- Report unusual tiredness, a very slow heartbeat, breathlessness or cold hands and feet to your doctor.
Fact box
| Chemical class | Naphthalene derivative |
|---|---|
| Habit forming | No |
| Therapeutic class | CARDIAC |
| Action class | Non-Selective Beta-Blockers (NSBBs) |
Frequently asked questions
Can Inderal LA 20 Tablet SR be used by people with asthma?
Generally no. It can narrow the airways and trigger breathing difficulty or asthma attacks, so it is usually avoided in people with asthma. Always tell your doctor about any breathing conditions before starting it.
Can I stop taking it once my chest pain settles?
No. Stopping suddenly can make angina worse or lead to serious heart problems. If the medicine needs to be stopped, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually.
Does it help with anxiety?
It can ease the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heartbeat, trembling and restlessness, though it does not treat the underlying worry itself.
Can I take it with or without food?
Yes, it can be taken either way. Taking it at the same time each day helps keep a steady level of the medicine in your body.
Why must I swallow the tablet whole?
It is a sustained-release tablet designed to release the drug slowly over time. Chewing, crushing or breaking it would release the whole dose at once and could cause side effects.