General Description: Propranolol is an oral beta-blocker used in dogs and cats to regulate your pet’s heart rate and to enable the heart to work more efficiently. It may also be used to decrease high blood pressure. Propranolol is available as tablets, extended release capsules, oral solution and may be offered as a transdermal gel.
What is this drug?
Propranolol is a beta-blocker
Propranolol is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
Used to regulate your pet’s heart rate and cause the heart to work more efficiently
May also be used to decrease high blood pressure
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Use with care in pets with liver or kidney disease
Use with extreme caution in pets with heart failure or a very slow heart beat
Use with extreme caution in hyperthyroid pets
Use with extreme caution in animals with some types of lung disease (ex. asthma)
Use with extreme caution in pets taking digoxin
Since propranolol masks the signs of low blood sugar, it must be used with extreme caution in a diabetic pet
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to propranolol or any other beta-blocker
Directions:
Propranolol may be given with or without food.
If using the transdermal gel, apply to the skin as directed by your veterinarian.
Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenone to three times daily.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.
If this medication was specially compounded by a pharmacist for your pet, please be observant of the container’s expiry date.
Do not discontinue the drug abruptly or without directions from your veterinarian, as your pet’s condition may worsen.
Call ahead for refills.
What if dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store medication in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
More tired or depressed than usual
Very slow heartbeat
Worsening heart failure
Low blood pressure which could cause fainting, weakness or dizziness
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Behavior change
Low or high blood sugar
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with antacids, anesthetic agents, cimetidine, epinephrine, furosemide, hydralazine, insulin, lidocaine, methimazole, other heart medications (digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil), phenobarbital, phenothiazines (tranquilizers), phenytoin, propylthiouracil, rifampin, succinylcholine, theophylline, thyroid hormones and tubocurarine.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, propranolol should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
It is likely that your veterinarian will want to monitor your pet’s condition periodically.
This is just a summary of information about propranolol. If you have any questions or concerns about propranolol or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.
