Inderal is a beta-blocker medication, that is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and other conditions like anxiety and migraines. Inderal is usually considered a safe medication but some individuals may experience common and less common side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects associated with Inderal may include.

Common Side Effects

  • Fatigue or tiredness: Inderal can cause a feeling of fatigue or weakness, especially when you first start taking it.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some people may experience dizziness or feel faint when standing up quickly while taking Inderal.
  • Cold hands or feet: Reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to cold sensations in the hands and feet.
  • Digestive issues: Inderal might cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea in some individuals.
  • Sleep disturbances: It can affect sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Mental changes: Some people might experience mood changes, depression, or even vivid dreams.
  • Slow heartbeat (bradycardia): Inderal can lower heart rate, which can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
  • Breathing difficulties: In rare cases, it might cause bronchospasm or exacerbate asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.
  • Masking symptoms of low blood sugar: For people with diabetes, Inderal can mask signs of low blood sugar, such as increased heart rate.
  • Sexual dysfunction: Some individuals might experience decreased libido or sexual dysfunction while taking Inderal.

Less Common Side Effects

  • Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, or swelling, particularly of the face, tongue, or throat.
  • Changes in blood sugar levels: Inderal can sometimes mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), making it harder for individuals with diabetes to recognize and treat low blood sugar levels.
  • Worsening heart failure: In rare cases, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, Inderal can worsen heart failure symptoms.
  • Liver problems: Elevated liver enzymes or liver dysfunction might occur in some individuals taking Inderal.
  • Vision changes: Some people may experience visual disturbances like blurred vision or dry eyes.
  • Psychiatric effects: Rarely, Inderal can lead to more severe psychiatric side effects such as hallucinations, confusion, or psychosis.
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon exacerbation: Inderal can exacerbate symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon, causing decreased blood flow to fingers and toes, leading to coldness, numbness, or color changes in these areas.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising: Some individuals might experience increased bleeding tendency or bruising.
  • Hair loss: Hair loss or thinning can occur, although this is uncommon.
  • Sleep disturbances: While difficulty sleeping is a common side effect, in some cases, Inderal might also lead to vivid dreams or nightmares.
Inderal Side Effects

What is Inderal?

Inderal is one of the leading brands of Propranolol, manufactured and marketed by ICI (Pakistan) Ltd.

Inderal : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Inderal is available in tablet form.

Inderal Tablets : 10mg and 40mg strengths.

Inderal LA Tablets : 80mg strength.

What Are The Possible Drug Interactions of Inderal?

  1. Blood pressure medications: Combining Inderal with other blood pressure-lowering drugs can result in an additive effect, causing a significant drop in blood pressure. This combination may lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  2. Calcium channel blockers: Concurrent use of Inderal with calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem) can also lower blood pressure and heart rate excessively.
  3. Digoxin: Inderal can increase the levels of digoxin in the blood, potentially leading to toxicity. Monitoring digoxin levels is crucial when used together.
  4. Antiarrhythmic medications: When taken with certain antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone), Inderal can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
  5. Antidepressants and antipsychotics: Some medications in these classes, especially certain tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics, can interact with Inderal, leading to increased side effects like low blood pressure or irregular heartbeats.
  6. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin along with Inderal can potentially increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  7. Diabetes medications: Inderal can mask some of the symptoms of low blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, making it challenging to recognize hypoglycemia. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential.
  8. Epinephrine (adrenaline) and similar drugs: Inderal can block the effects of drugs that work by stimulating beta receptors, like epinephrine. This can lead to reduced effectiveness in emergency situations, such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).