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
  • Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is 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.

Drug Dosage for high blood pressure Dosage for angina pectoris Dosage for hypertrophic subaortic stenosis Dosage to help prevent migraine headaches
Inderal XL 80 milligrams (mg) to 120 tablets. taken once daily at bedtime
Inderal LA 80 tablets. to 160 tablets. taken once daily 80 tablets. to 160 tablets. taken once daily 80 tablets. to 160 tablets. taken once daily 80 tablets. to 240 mg taken once daily

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.

Inderal LA and Inderal XL have approved uses.

What are the forms of Inderal LA and Inderal XL?

These drugs are in capsule form.

What strengths do Inderal LA and Inderal XL come in?

Inderal LA has four strengths.

  • 60 milligrams is the amount of the drug.
  • 80 tablets.
  • 120 tablets.
  • 160 tablets.

Inderal XL has two strengths.

  • 80 tablets.
  • 120 tablets.

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

Your doctor will likely start you with a low dose and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide 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 tablets. taken once daily at bedtime. Your dosage may be increased over time to 120 tablets. taken once daily at bedtime.

The starting dosage of Inderal LA for treating high blood pressure is 80 tablets. taken once per day. Your dosage may be increased to 120 tablets. taken once per day. The usual maintenance dosage is 120 tablets. to 160 tablets. 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 tablets. taken once daily. Over time, your doctor may increase your dosage. The usual maintenance dosage to help prevent migraine episodes is 160 tablets. to 240 mg taken once daily.

Dosage for treating hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

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

Dosage for treating stable angina

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

Are Inderal LA and Inderal XL used long term?

Inderal LA and Inderal XL are usually prescribed as long-term treatments. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for your condition, you will likely take whichever one you are prescribed.

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 questions about the 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 amount of Inderal LA or Inderal XL you are prescribed may depend on a number of factors. These include:

  • The kind of condition you are using the drug to treat.
  • Your age.
  • You take other drugs.
  • You may have other conditions.

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.

You will take one capsule with or without food if you are taking Inderal LA.

You will take one capsule daily at night. You can either take your dose with food or without. You should take it the same way every 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 can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies have labels for medication.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening bottles. They may be able to provide Inderal LA or Inderal XL in a container. They may have tips to make it easier to open the drug container.

It is 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 you missed your dose, take your next dose. If you double up on the missed dose, you will end up with more of the same. If you have questions about taking missed drugs, talk to your doctor or the pharmacy.

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.

If you take more Inderal LA or Inderal XL than your doctor prescribes, you can be in danger of serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

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 dosages provided by the drugmaker are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Inderal LA or Inderal XL, they will prescribe the correct amount.

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 the dosages of my drugs if I take other drugs?
  • Will my risk of side effects increase if I take a higher dose of Inderal?
  • “Will you change my dosage of Inderal LA or Inderal XL if they aren’t 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.