Inderal LA (Cont.)

How Does Inderal LA Work?

As mentioned previously, Inderal LA is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name implies, these agents block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Stress hormones like adrenaline attach to these receptors and cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
 
By blocking beta receptors, Inderal LA causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as the heart's workload. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
 

Effects of Inderal LA

By lowering blood pressure, Inderal LA can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). By decreasing the heart's workload, Inderal LA can also decrease symptoms of angina, including chest pain. Although the exact mechanism is not known, Inderal LA can decrease the frequency of migraines as well.
 

When and How Do I Take Inderal LA?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Inderal LA include:
 
  • Inderal LA comes in capsule form and is taken once a day.
  • Inderal LA may be taken with or without food.
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the Inderal LA capsules.
  • Inderal LA should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
  • For Inderal LA to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Inderal LA will not work if you stop taking it.
  • You should not stop taking Inderal LA without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping Inderal LA can increase the risk of serious side effects (see Inderal LA Warnings and Precautions).
     
(Inderal LA Continued: Page 3)

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;