Sumial (Propranolol): uses and side effects of this medicine
Sumial or propranolol is a medicine widely used to treat symptoms of physiological anxiety like the tachycardias and tremors. It is also frequently used in cases of hypertension and cardiovascular problems in general.
We propose to analyze what Sumial is, what it is for and what are the possible side effects it can cause, especially if we use it irresponsibly.
What is propranolol?
"Sumial" is the commercial name of propranolol, a drug from the group of beta-blockers, which inhibit adrenaline and noradrenaline a and therefore the physiological stress response.
This means that propranolol decreases the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which manifests itself in a reduction in heart rate that has relaxing effects at the physical and psychological levels.
Sumial and other beta-blockers are used mainly for "stage fright" and to treat heart and cardiovascular system problems, such as cardiac arrhythmias.
What is it for?
We have already mentioned the best known uses of propranolol, but has other therapeutic applications in addition to the reduction of heart rate and physical activation . Anyway, it must be taken into account that this product should only be consumed under medical indication and supervision.
1. Physical symptoms of anxiety
Sumial is effective in reducing symptoms of physiological arousal such as palpitations, tremors and excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. All these can be presented as physical symptoms of anxiety, so in many cases they occur in stressful situations that our body interprets as threats.
This type of symptoms are more frequent in people with a tendency to anxiety of physiological type , as it may be in cases of social phobia or post-traumatic stress, although they can occur in anxiogenic situations without the need to comply with this condition.
However, although Sumial's regular use without a prescription is difficult, given difficult exams or speeches in public, this can be risky: since we can not be sure how our body will react to the medication, taking it in these cases could worsen the performance.
- Recommended article: "The 7 types of anxiety (causes and symptoms)"
2. Hypertension and cardiac disorders
The main indication of the Sumial is the treatment of heart problems since it reduces the heart rate . In this way it is effective to treat hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and angina pectoris, as well as to prevent heart attacks in people who have already suffered one.
Previously propranolol and beta blockers in general were widely used to treat hypertension, but these drugs have lost popularity because there are other more effective. Diuretic drugs such as thiazides stand out, because by making the blood vessels contain less fluid they cause a reduction in blood pressure.
3. Headache
Sumial is effective for the treatment of headaches, migraines and headaches, including cluster headache. In particular, it is considered to work well for the prevention of headaches.
Propranolol is especially indicated in the prevention and treatment of childhood migraines since there are few medications that combat them effectively and safely. Amitriptyline, riboflavin and some anticonvulsants can also be used for this purpose.
4. Capillary hemangioma
The hemangioma or "strawberry mark" is a type of benign tumor of the skin that appears in some babies during its first year of life. The striking red color of hemangiomas is due to the fact that they are formed by blood vessels.
Capillary hemangiomas usually disappear between 5 and 10 years without the need for treatment. If necessary, corticosteroids or beta-blockers are administered or a surgical operation is performed. to.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Sumial may also be effective in treating thyroid problems , which produce symptoms such as increased heart rate, diarrhea, weight loss and irritability, as well as others similar to those of anxiety.
This is important, given that the thyroid gland is a kind of directory of hormones. Problems in this organ are able to generate a chain reaction that affect several areas of the body, as well as affect mood.
6. Pheochromocytoma
Pheochromocytoma is a type of tumor of the adrenal gland caused by high blood pressure. The recommended treatment for this disease is a combination of propranolol and an alpha-adrenergic blocker .
7. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that is usually due to ocular hypertension . This disorder manifests itself in the progressive diminution of the visual field and if left untreated can cause significant damage to the optic nerve, as well as loss of vision.
8. Essential tremor
The concept "essential tremor" refers to a type of benign tremors that normally occur in the hands, usually begin after age 40 and worsen with age.
Essential tremor seems to have a genetic basis and is affected by factors such as physical exhaustion or stress . When they are severe enough to require treatment, beta-blockers are used as first-line medication.
Side effects
The most frequent side effects of Sumial are related to its therapeutic effects. Thus, it can slow down excessively the cardiac rhythm and produce fatigue or fatigue sensation. It can also disturb sleep and cause nightmares.
Occasionally the consumption of propranolol may cause Raynaud's syndrome , a circulatory disorder characterized by numbness and pain in the hands.
Among the less frequent adverse effects we find diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, breathing difficulties, dizziness, rash, psoriasis, bruising and hair loss.
You have to bear in mind that the side effects are normal in all types of drugs , although its intensity varies and in the specific effects that they produce. This is because these drugs are substances that not only influence the tissues and target cells, but in many others, which produces side effects.
Contraindications
It is not recommended that people with asthma or with predisposition to hypotension, hypoglycemia or heart failure take Sumial, since its effects would aggravate these symptoms, and may be a risk.
Women should not take propranolol during pregnancy or during breastfeeding to prevent the medication from affecting the baby. Likewise, People with heart, liver, kidney, circulation or thyroid problems should take special precaution when taking Sumial . In any case it is not recommended to take this drug without medical prescription.
The consumption of propranolol increases the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes and can aggravate the symptoms of people with diabetes, further altering the response of your body to insulin.
