Inderal XL and Inderal LA (propranolol) are brand-name drugs prescribed for high blood pressure. They come as extended-release (ER) oral capsules that are typically taken once daily. The dosage depends on the condition being treated.
In addition to treating high blood pressure, Inderal LA* is approved for the following uses in adults:
- helping prevent migraine episodes
- decreasing how often angina occurs and increasing exercise tolerance in people with stable angina
- easing symptoms of hypertrophic subaortic stenosis†
Inderal LA and Inderal XL belong to a drug class called beta-blockers. Both Inderal LA and Inderal XL come as ER oral capsules that release their active ingredient (propranolol) slowly over time. And both drugs are available in a generic version.
This article describes typical dosages for Inderal LA and Inderal XL provided by their manufacturer. When taking either drug, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL, including their strengths and how to take them. For a comprehensive look at these drugs, see this article.
Note: The brand-name drug Inderal has been discontinued. So the oral solution and oral tablet forms of Inderal are no longer available. Also, similar to Inderal XL, there’s another extended-release capsule version of propranolol called InnoPran XL. However, this article only focuses on Inderal LA and Inderal XL dosages.
* For treating high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe Inderal LA by itself or with a diuretic to treat your high blood pressure.
† Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is a heart condition caused by an enlarged left ventricle. This condition makes it harder for your heart to function.
Before starting treatment with Inderal LA or Inderal XL, your doctor will discuss your dosage. Below is information about the typical dosages of Inderal.
Dosage summary
The following table summarizes the dosages of Inderal LA and Inderal XL. Be sure to keep reading for details.
| Drug | Form | Strengths | Typical dosages |
| Inderal LA | oral capsule | • 60 milligrams (mg) • 80 mg • 120 mg • 160 mg | • for high blood pressure: 80–640 mg daily • for migraine episode prevention: 80–240 mg daily • for angina: 80–320 mg daily • for hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: 80–160 mg daily |
| Inderal XL | oral capsule | • 80 mg • 120 mg | • for high blood pressure: 80–120 mg daily* |
* Inderal XL is not approved to help prevent migraine episodes or treat angina or hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
Inderal form
Both Inderal LA and Inderal XL come as extended-release oral capsules. These release the active ingredient (propranolol) slowly over time.
Inderal strengths
Inderal LA comes in the following strengths:
- 60 milligrams (mg)
- 80 mg
- 120 mg
- 160 mg
Inderal XL comes in the following strengths:
- 80 mg
- 120 mg
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start your treatment with a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. This is based on your treatment response. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Inderal LA dosage for migraine episode prevention
Inderal LA is approved to help prevent migraine episodes. The recommended starting dosage of Inderal LA for this use is 80 mg once daily.
In many cases, your doctor may increase your dose slowly until you reach a dosage that is effective for your condition. This dosage is typically from 160–240 mg once daily.
If Inderal LA does not help prevent your migraine episodes within 4–6 weeks after starting treatment, talk with your doctor. In some cases, they may recommend that you stop Inderal LA treatment and try a different medication instead.
Do not stop taking Inderal LA without first talking with your doctor. Before your Inderal treatment ends, your doctor may slowly lower your dosage. This is to decrease the risk of side effects from the drug. Your doctor will advise the best way to slowly lower your dosage. (To learn about the side effects of Inderal LA and Inderal XL, see this article.)
Note: Only Inderal LA is approved to help prevent migraine episodes. Inderal XL is not approved for this use.
Inderal dosage for high blood pressure
The dosage of Inderal that you take for high blood pressure depends on which form of the drug you take: Inderal LA or Inderal XL. Both forms are approved to treat high blood pressure.
Dosage for Inderal LA
The recommended starting dosage of Inderal LA to treat high blood pressure is 80 mg once daily. Then, your doctor may slowly increase your dose until your blood pressure is managed effectively. The usual dosage of Inderal LA for people with high blood pressure is from 120–160 mg once daily. However, it’s possible to be prescribed up to 640 mg of Inderal LA once daily.
It’s important to note that Inderal LA may take a few weeks to effectively manage your blood pressure. So, be sure to continue taking your dose every day. This is even if you’re not noticing an immediate change in your blood pressure.
Dosage for Inderal XL
The recommended starting dosage of Inderal XL to treat high blood pressure is 80 mg once daily. Then, your doctor may increase your dose to 120 mg once daily to effectively manage your blood pressure.
It’s important to note that Inderal XL may take a few weeks to manage your blood pressure. So, be sure you continue taking your dose every day. This is even if you’re not noticing an immediate change in your blood pressure.
Inderal LA dosage for stable angina
The recommended starting dosage of Inderal LA for stable angina is 80 mg once daily. Then, your doctor may recommend increasing your dose every 3–7 days until the drug begins working for your condition. Typically, a dosage of 160 mg once daily is effective. However, a doctor may prescribe up to 320 mg of Inderal LA once daily.
Note: Only Inderal LA is approved to treat stable angina. Inderal XL is not approved for this use.
Inderal LA dosage for hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
The recommended dosage of Inderal LA for hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is from 80–160 mg once daily.
Note: Only Inderal LA is approved to treat hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Inderal XL is not approved for this use.
Long-term treatment
Inderal LA and Inderal XL are meant to be used as long-term treatments. If you and your doctor determine that either drug is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before starting treatment with Inderal LA or Inderal XL, you may have some questions about the dosage. Below are some frequently asked questions.
Are Inderal LA and Inderal XL prescribed for anxiety? If so, what’s the dosage for anxiety?
Inderal LA and Inderal XL may be prescribed for anxiety. However, these drugs are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety. But doctors may prescribe them off-label for this use. With off-label use, a doctor prescribes a drug for a different purpose than what it is approved for.
Since Inderal LA and Inderal XL are not approved to treat anxiety, there is no recommended Inderal LA or Inderal XL dosage for this use. However, if your doctor recommends that you take either of these drugs for anxiety, they will recommend the best dosage for you.
If you have anxiety and are interested in taking Inderal LA or Inderal XL, talk with your doctor.
Can Inderal LA and Inderal XL be prescribed for tachycardia? If so, what dosage is used?
Yes, it’s possible for Inderal LA or Inderal XL to be prescribed for tachycardia. (With tachycardia, you have a faster than usual heart rate.) Inderal LA and Inderal XL are not currently FDA-approved to treat tachycardia. However, doctors may prescribe the drug off-label. With off-label use, a doctor prescribes a drug for a different purpose than what it is approved for.
To find out if Inderal LA or Inderal XL is an effective treatment option for you, talk with your doctor. If they prescribe it, they’ll determine the best dosage for you.
Do doctors prescribe Inderal LA and Inderal XL for tremors? What dosage might be prescribed?
It’s possible for doctors to prescribe Inderal LA or Inderal XL treatment for tremors. This includes essential tremor. In this case, they would prescribe the drug for off-label use. With off-label use, a doctor prescribes a drug for a different purpose than what it is approved for. This is because Inderal LA and Inderal XL are not FDA-approved to treat tremors.
If you have tremors and are interested in taking Inderal LA or Inderal XL, talk with your doctor.
The Inderal dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the form of Inderal you take (Inderal LA or Inderal XL)
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Inderal to treat
- other medications that you take
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Inderal dosage.
Inderal LA and Inderal XL both come as extended-release capsules that you’ll swallow. These capsules release the active ingredient (propranolol) slowly over time. You’ll typically take Inderal LA or Inderal XL once daily.
Do not stop taking Inderal LA or Inderal XL without first talking with your doctor. Before ending your treatment, your doctor may slowly decrease your dosage. This is to decrease the risk of side effects from the drug. Your doctor will advise the best way to slowly decrease your dosage. (To learn about side effects of Inderal, see this article.)
How to take Inderal LA
If you take Inderal LA, be sure to take your dose at around the same time each day. This helps make sure you have a consistent amount of medication in your body all the time so the drug can work effectively.
The manufacturer of Inderal LA does not make any recommendations about taking your dose with or without food. If you have concerns about taking your dose with or without food, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to take Inderal XL
If you take Inderal XL, you should take your dose at bedtime. This is because the drug works while you’re sleeping to help manage your blood pressure. And it continues working while you’re awake.
You should take your dose of Inderal XL the same way each time you take a dose. This includes if you take it either with or without food. So, if you start taking the drug with food, continue to take each daily dose in this way. This is because food can affect how the drug is absorbed into your body. So, it can affect how well it works to treat your condition.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSIf you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Inderal in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Inderal LA or Inderal XL, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do. When to take your next dose may depend on how long ago you missed your dose.
For example, if it’s only been a few hours since your missed dose, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, they may recommend skipping your missed dose and taking your next dose at your regular time.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
If you take more Inderal LA or Inderal XL than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.
It’s important that you do not take more Inderal than your doctor advises.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Inderal can include:
- low blood pressure
- decreased heart rate
- slowed breathing
If you take more than the recommended amount of Inderal LA or Inderal XL
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Inderal. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Inderal for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Inderal without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Inderal that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Inderal. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Inderal LA or Inderal XL. For information about other aspects of Inderal, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Inderal LA and Inderal XL, see this article. You can also look at the prescribing information for Inderal LA and Inderal XL.
- Details about your condition. For details about your condition, see our:
- cardiovascular health hub and these articles related to high blood pressure
- headache and migraine hub
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.
