Cat & Dog - Propranolol

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Propranolol is used to correct irregular heartbeat. Propranolol decreases the heart’s need for blood and oxygen and therefore reduces the amount of work the heart must do. This medication may be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your veterinary surgeon.

Propranolol is not available as a veterinary preparation. Your veterinary surgeon may ask you to sign a consent form so a preparation licensed for humans can be used to treat your pet.

How does this medicine work?

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug (beta-blocker), which antagonises (acts against)sympathetic activity. The heart rate is decreased as a result of reduction in the sinus node rate and prolongation of atrio-ventricular node conduction.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leflet or label to the physician.
• DO NOT discontinue the medication without first checking with your veterinary surgeon. Contact your veterinary surgeon in advance if your pet needs a repeat prescription.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Your veterinary surgeon will want to monitor your pet closely if the animal is diabetic.
• The following side effects have been reported and usually occur in older pets: slow heart rate, drowsiness, worsening heart failure, low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, difficulty breathing (bronchoconstriction), diarrhoea and temporary loss of consciousness.
• Notify your veterinary surgeon if your pet is very tired, has trouble exercising, begins wheezing, develops shortness of breath or cough or if it’s attitude or behaviour change.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.