Propranolol

Cardiac Arrhythmias Intravenous administration is usually reserved for life-threatening arrhythmias or those occurring under anesthesia. 1. Supraventricular arrhythmias Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the short-term treatment of supraventricular tachycardia, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and thyrotoxicosis, to decrease ventricular rate. Use in patients with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation should be reserved for arrythmias unresponsive to standard therapy or when more prolonged control is required. Reversion to normal sinus rhythm has occasionally been observed, predominantly in patients with sinus or atrial tachycardia. 2. …

• The usual dose is 1 mg to 3 mg administered under careful monitoring, such as electrocardiographiy and central venous pressure
• The rate of administration should not exceed 1 mg (1 mL) per minute to diminish the possibility of lowering blood pressure and causing cardiac standstill
• Sufficient time should be allowed for the drug to reach the site of action even when a slow circulation is present
• If necessary, a second dose may be given after two minutes
• Thereafter, additional drug should not be given in less than four hours
• Additional propranolol hydrochloride should not be given when the desired alteration in rate and/or rhythm is achieved
• Transfer to oral therapy as soon as possible
• Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit

Propranolol is contraindicated in 1) cardiogenic shock, 2) sinus bradycardia and greater than first-degree block, 3) bronchial asthma, 4) in patients with known hypersensitivity to propranolol.

Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be a vital component supporting circulatory function in patients with congestive heart failure, and its inhibition by beta-blockade may precipitate more severe failure. Although beta-blockers should be avoided in overt congestive heart failure, some have been shown to be highly beneficial when used with close follow-up in patients with a history of failure who are well compensated and are receiving additional therapies, including diuretics as needed. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents do not abolish the inotropic action of digitalis on heart muscle. …

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. In a series of 225 patients, there were 6 deaths (see CLINICAL STUDIES). Cardiovascular events (hypotension, congestive heart failure, bradycardia, and heart block) were the most common. The only other event reported by more than one patient was nausea. Other adverse events for intravenous propranolol, reported during postmarketing surveillance include cardiac arrest, dyspnea, and cutaneous ulcers. …

Propranolol is not significantly dialyzable. In the event of overdosage or exaggerated response, the following measures should be employed: Hypotension and bradycardia have been reported following propranolol overdose and should be treated appropriately. Glucagon can exert potent inotropic and chronotropic effects and may be particularly useful for the treatment of hypotension or depressed myocardial function after a propranolol overdose. Glucagon should be administered as 50 to 150 mcg/kg intravenously followed by continuous drip of 1 to 5 mg/hour for positive chronotropic effect. …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.