Cardinol 160 LA (Propranolol)

Cardinol general information

What is Cardinol used for?

Cardinol 160mg capsules are used to treat a variety of conditions including, control of hypertension (high blood pressure); management of angina (chest pain) and long-term prevention of myocardial infarction (heart attack). Cardinol capsules 160 LA work through a common mechanism in several different body systems to manage the condition and relieve symptoms by reducing heart rate (pulse), workload (force needed to pump) and oxygen demand, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

How does Cardinol work?

Cardinol capsules 160mg contain propanolol, which is a beta-blocker or selective beta-receptor antagonist and acts by blocking the action of chemicals called catecholamines, such as adrenaline (epinephrine), which are released by the adrenal glands in response to nerve stimulation during physical and mental stress. Adrenaline works via beta-receptors in the heart to stimulate increased heart rate and constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels. These actions of adrenaline are blocked by propanolol in Cardinol capsules 160mg, to slow heart rate, dilate (widen) blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and increase blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Since beta-receptors are found in many tissues, particularly the heart, kidneys, vascular smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, lung, skeletal muscle and liver, all short-term and long-term symptom relief due to taking Cardinol capsules 160 LA, is based on blocking beta-receptors in the target tissue. Cardinol capsules 160mg are formulated for long acting slow release of propanolol over a 24 hour period so that you need only take one capsule a day.

What Cardinol doses are available?

Cardinol is available to order and buy online from Inhouse Pharmacy in the following doses:

• Cardinol 10mg tablets
• Cardinol 40mg tablets
• Cardinol 160mg capsules (long-acting slow release)

What does Cardinol contain?

Cardinol 160mg capsules contain spheroids of the active ingredient propanolol hydrochloride, a beta-blocker and beta-receptor agonist that blocks the action of adrenaline to slow heart rate and relax blood vessels, amongst other actions. These spheroids have a sustained release coating to provide long action. Propanolol Cardinol 160mg capsules also contain sucrose, maize starch, shellac, talc and the gelatin capsule.

What is the difference between Cardinol long acting capsules and Cardinol tablets?

Cardinol tablets are formulated for rapid release and absorption and contain lower concentrations of active ingredient than capsules. Cardinol capsules contain slow release spheroids which release the active ingredient over a longer time period for slower but sustained drug absorption, which means that you need only take one capsule a day to get the same dose of drug as several tablets taken each day.

Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) with Cardinol

Cardinol capsules 160mg contain propanolol, a beta-blocker that blocks the action of adrenaline in stimulating beta-receptors in blood vessel walls, causing blood vessels to constrict (narrow) which reduces blood flow and raises blood pressure. Cardinol capsules 160 LA are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) by widening blood vessels, reducing heart rate (number of heart beats) and reducing the force of the heart contraction. These actions lower blood pressure and help the heart to cope better,
Reducing heart rate with Cardinol
Cardinol 160mg capsules contain propanolol, a beta-blocker that blocks the action of adrenaline in stimulating beta-receptors in the heart muscle. Adrenaline increases heart rate and the strength of muscular contraction in response to excitement/physical exertion. Cardinol capsules 160 LA are used for management of angina (chest pain) and long-term prevention of myocardial infarction (heart attack) by widening blood vessels, reducing heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart. When the heart does not have to work as hard, it requires less oxygen and relieves symptoms of angina including chest pain and breathlessness on exertion.

What are the side effects of Cardinol?

The mot common side effects reported while taking Cardinol capsules 160mg include: tiredness, dizziness, sleep disturbances or nightmares, hair loss, mood changes or confusion, dry eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain.

When should Cardinol not be used?

You should not use Cardinol capsules 160mg if you:

• are allergic to propranolol hydrochloride or any other ingredients in Cardinol 160 LA
• have a history of bronchial asthma or bronchospasm
• are diabetic and taking hypoglycaemic therapy as propranolol may prolong the hypoglycaemic response to insulin
• have, poor peripheral blood circulation, uncontrolled heart failure, low blood pressure (hypotension), metabolic acidosis (too much acid in your blood) or a certain type of angina called Prinzmetal's angina
• have a phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland) which is not already being treated with other medicines
• have certain other heart problems
• are taking medication that may interact with Cardinol 160mg capsules, including: other medicines for high blood pressure; angina or an irregular heart beat such as calcium channel blockers (disopyramide) digoxin, clonidine, hydralazine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine; adrenaline for emergencies like anaphylaxis; ergotamine and derivatives for migraine; antiinflammatories like ibuprofen or indomethacin; cimetidine for reflux and ulcers; chlorpromazine for psychiatric disorders

How should Cardinol be taken?

You should take your Cardinol capsules 160mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole with or without food, usually once daily either morning or evening, but at the same time each day. You should take Cardinol capsules 160 LA according to your doctor’s recommendations and the number of capsules you take each day, how often you take them and for how long depends on the condition you are being treated for. The dose you are taking may be increased by your doctor. You must take your capsules every day, as instructed and if you are advised to stop taking them, withdrawal should be gradual and treatment should not be discontinued abruptly.

How long should you take Cardinol?

You should take your Cardinol capsules 160mg for as long as your doctor recommendations, which may be for a few days or weeks, depending on the condition you are being treated for.

Missed dose of Cardinol

If you miss a dose of Cardinol capsules 160mg, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How Cardinol name be stored?

You should store your Cardinol capsules 160mg below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.