This formulation of propranolol is used for infants and
children to treat a certain benign tumor (proliferating infantile
hemangioma). It helps to shrink the tumor. Propranolol belongs to a class
of drugs known as beta blockers.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start giving propranolol to
your child and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
the doctor or pharmacist.
Give this medication to your child by mouth as directed
by the doctor, usually 2 times daily (at least 9 hours apart). This
medication should be given during or right after a meal/feeding. Skip the
dose of the medication if your child is not eating or is
vomiting.
Do not shake the bottle before use. Carefully measure
the dose using a special measuring device/oral syringe. Do not use a
household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. You may give this
medication directly into the child's mouth with the oral syringe or the
medication can be mixed in a small amount of milk or fruit juice and then
given to the child. If you are unsure if your child swallowed the full dose
of the medication or if your child spits up the dose, do not give another
dose, but wait for the next scheduled dose.
The dosage is based on your child's medical condition,
weight, and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, the
doctor may direct your child to start this medication at a low dose and
gradually increase the dose. The dosage may be increased by the doctor as
your child gains weight. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. The
blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored for 2 hours when the
medication is first started and after each dose increase.
If your child also takes certain drugs to lower
cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or
colestipol), give propranolol at least 1 hour before or at least 4 hours
after these medications.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, give it at the same times each
day.
Tell the doctor if your child's condition does not get
better or if it gets worse.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or tiredness may occur as
the body adjusts to the medication. Diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain,
decreased appetite, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and unusual dreams may also
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
This drug may reduce blood flow to the hands and feet,
causing them to feel cold. Tell the doctor if this occurs. Dress your child
warmly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because the doctor has judged that the benefit to your child is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell the doctor right away if your child has any serious
side effects, including:
- fainting
- pale/blue/purple skin
- new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness
of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight
gain)
- very slow heartbeat
- irregular heartbeat
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, cough)
- mental/mood changes (such as agitation)
This product may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
especially if your child is sick, not eating regularly, or is vomiting.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast
heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, seizures, or weakness. This
product may prevent some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as
fast/pounding heartbeat). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as
dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug. If your child has
symptoms of hypoglycemia, tell the doctor right away.
This medication may increase the risk of stroke in
certain children with a large hemangioma on their face or head. Get medical
help right away if your child has symptoms of a stroke,
including:
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
- confusion
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Side Effects section.
Before using propranolol, tell the doctor or pharmacist
if your child is allergic to it; or if your child has had a serious
reaction to other beta blockers (such as metoprolol); or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or
pharmacist your child's medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma)
- certain heart problems (such as heart failure, slow heart
rate, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block)
- severe allergic reactions
- a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
- very low blood pressure
Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist about
all the products your child uses (including prescription drugs,
nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may make your child dizzy. Do not let your
child do anything that needs alertness until you are sure your child can
perform such activities safely.
This formulation of propranolol is not usually used by
adults. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this
medication.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how medications work or
increase the risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain
all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products your child
uses (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with the doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without the doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
Other medications can affect the removal of propranolol
from your body, which may affect how propranolol works. Examples include
quinidine, rifamycins (such as rifabutin), among others.
This medication can slow down the removal of other
medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of
affected drugs include fezolinetant, propafenone, thioridazine, among
others.
If you are breastfeeding your child, ask the doctor if
any medications that you are using may pass into the breast milk and
interact with this medication.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: very
slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as
restlessness), seizure.
Do not share this medication with others.
Have your child's blood pressure and pulse (heart rate)
checked regularly while taking this medication, especially when this
medication is first started or after a dose increase. If directed by the
doctor, learn how to monitor your child's blood pressure and pulse at home,
and share the results with the doctor.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Once the
bottle is opened, this medication expires after 2 months. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).