Inderal

Hello,

I have frequent PVCs, a holter moniter registered 5000+ in one day (and that was a good day). On my last EKG, my Dr. said there was some question about a long QT interval, she said it was nothing to worry about, she didn't even mention it at the time (also, I have had yearly EKGs for about 3 years running, no mention of long QT interval).  She also found my TSH levels were high. She put me on 40mg of Inderal, which helps the PVCs.  My questions are:

Is the Inderal treating my thyroid, which might be causing the PVCs?  Or is it treating my heart?

I did a little research on Long QT intervals, I was wondering if being on a drug like Inderal, which slows the heart down, is bad for a "questionnable" long QT interval?

What are the common side effects of Inderal?  Is it usually well tolerated?

Thanks so much!
Christine

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Inderal is a beta-blocker.  Beta-blockers are used to treat palpitations, high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), heart attacks, heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation and more recently heart failure.  

Potential side effects include: >10 % mental depression, tiredness, weakness, dizziness
1-10% Bradycardia (slow heart rate), wheezing, irregular heart beat, reduced peripheral circulation, heartburn
<1% Rash, chest pain, constipation, decreased sexual activity, itching, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, insomnia, heart failure, nightmares, confusion, headache, impotence, cold extremities.

Potential drug interactions include:
Increased effect of metoprolol - amiodarone, cimetidine, diltiazem, nifedipine, nicardipine, verapamil, flecainide, hydralazine, MAO inhibitors, quinidine, ciprofloxacin, propafenone, oral contraeptives, fluoxetine, sertraline.

Decreased effect of metoprolol - NSAIDS, salycylates, barbiturates, rifampin, clonidine