Inderal Dosage: Form, Strengths, How to Take, and More - Healthline

If you have high blood pressure or certain other health conditions, your doctor might suggest Inderal LA or Inderal XL as a treatment option. They're both prescription drugs approved to treat high blood pressure. Inderal LA is also approved to:

• treat angina pectoris that's due to atherosclerosis
• treat hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (a problem that makes it hard for blood to flow through the heart)
• help prevent migraine headaches

Both Inderal LA and Inderal XL come as capsules that you swallow. They both contain the active ingredient propranolol. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) These medications belong to a group of drugs known as beta-blockers.

Inderal is discontinued, so this article will describe the dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL, as well as their strengths and how to take them. To learn more about these drugs, see this in-depth article.

Note: This chart highlights the dosage basics for Inderal LA and Inderal XL. Be sure to read on for more detail.

Please keep in mind that this article covers the standard dosage schedules for Inderal LA and Inderal XL as provided by the drugmaker. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.

Read on to learn more about the dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL for their approved uses.

What are the forms of Inderal LA and Inderal XL?

These drugs come as capsules that you swallow.

What strengths do Inderal LA and Inderal XL come in?

Inderal LA comes in four strengths:

• 60 milligrams (mg)
• 80 mg
• 120 mg
• 160 mg

Inderal XL comes in two strengths:

• 80 mg
• 120 mg

What are the usual dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL?

Your doctor will likely start you taking a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They'll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They'll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for treating high blood pressure

The dosage of Inderal XL for treating high blood pressure is 80 mg taken once daily at bedtime. Your dosage may be increased over time to 120 mg taken once daily at bedtime.

The starting dosage of Inderal LA for treating high blood pressure is 80 mg taken once per day. Your dosage may be increased to 120 mg taken once per day. The usual maintenance dosage is 120 mg to 160 mg taken once daily. And the maximum dosage for treating high blood pressure is 640 mg taken once daily.

Dosage for helping prevent migraine episodes

The starting dosage of Inderal LA for helping prevent migraine episodes is 80 mg taken once daily. Over time, your doctor may increase your dosage. The usual maintenance dosage to help prevent migraine episodes is 160 mg to 240 mg taken once daily.

Dosage for treating hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

The dosage of Inderal LA for treating hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is 80 mg to 160 mg taken once daily.

Dosage for treating stable angina

The starting dosage of Inderal LA for treating stable angina is 80 mg taken once daily. This amount may be increased over time to 160 mg. The usual maintenance dosage is 80 mg to 160 mg taken once daily.

Are Inderal LA and Inderal XL used long term?

Yes, Inderal LA and Inderal XL are usually prescribed as long-term treatments. If you and your doctor determine that it's safe and effective for your condition, you'll likely take whichever one you're prescribed long term.

Dosage adjustments

If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may start you taking a lower dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL. They'll likely check your kidney and liver function before you begin either of these drugs, as well as throughout your treatment. But if you have any kidney or liver problems, be sure to tell your doctor before starting either of these drugs.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL.

What are the dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL for treating anxiety, tachycardia, and essential tremor?

Neither Inderal LA nor Inderal XL are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), or essential tremor.

Sometimes a drug is prescribed to treat a condition it's not been approved for. This is known as off-label use. There are no recommended dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL for off-label use for these conditions. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about treating anxiety, tachycardia, or essential tremor with either of these drugs.

If I drink alcohol, will I need to take a different dose of Inderal LA or Inderal XL?

It's possible. Alcohol affects how your body processes propranolol. Drinking alcohol may increase the amount of Inderal LA or Inderal XL in your bloodstream. If you drink alcohol regularly, let your doctor know. They may prescribe a lower dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL for you.

The dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL you're prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the kind and severity of the condition you're using the drug to treat
• your age
• other medications you take
• other conditions you may have (see "Dosage adjustments" just above)

Inderal LA and Inderal XL capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not open or crush them. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

If you're taking Inderal LA, you'll take one capsule once daily with or without food.

If you're taking Inderal XL, you'll take one capsule daily at bedtime. You can decide if you want to take your dose with food or on an empty stomach. But you should take it the same way each day.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Inderal LA and Inderal XL, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn't.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Inderal LA or Inderal XL in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug's container.

It's important to take Inderal LA or Inderal XL at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking a missed dose of either of these drugs.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Inderal LA or Inderal XL on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Inderal LA or Inderal XL than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Inderal LA or Inderal XL

Call your doctor right away if you think you've taken too much Inderal LA or Inderal XL. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Inderal LA or Inderal XL, they'll prescribe the dosage that's right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL without your doctor's recommendation. Only take Inderal LA or Inderal XL exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:

• Will you change my dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL if I'm taking other drugs?
• Will my risk of side effects increase if I take a higher dosage of Inderal XL or Inderal LA?
• Will you change my dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL if they're not working well enough for me?

If you have migraine, you can find support for your condition by joining the Bezzy Migraine community. And you can get advice on pain management and treatments for your condition by signing up for Healthline's migraine newsletter.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.