Algoren: what it is, uses and effects

Today, medicine is equipped with a whole range of medications to relieve the symptoms of people with heart disease.

One of these is algoren, distributed in Venezuela. Each person should be aware of what they take and what effects it can have on their body.

That is why in this article, we will detail this and much more essential information you should know about this drug.

What is algoren?

Algoren is the trade name forpropranolol, a drug that is a member of a large family known as beta blockers. It is used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other types of disorders.

Composition

The active substance (the molecule that exerts the function of the medicine) is propranolol. It is a beta-blocking drug, so named because it binds to proteins in the membranes of many cells, called beta-adrenergic receptors.

To highlight: Currently, beta blockers represent an effective pharmacological treatment to treat a large number of cardiovascular conditions, particularly certain types of heart failure.

Presentations and dosage

Algoren comes as an oral form (tablets) indoses of 10, 40, and 80 mg propranolol. The doses to be consumed of the drug vary depending on the age and conditions of the patients.

Note: If you haveliver or kidney failure, your doctor should adjust the appropriate dose to achieve the best results of treatment.

It alsovaries according to the diseasebeing treated; In angina, the dose is one tablet of40 mg 2-3 times a day. To treat tachycardias, the dose may range from 10-40 mg 3 to 4 times a day.

In Pediatric patients (infants between 5 weeks and 5 months of age), the treatment should be administered in liquid form, with much lower doses.

Important:Drink plenty of fluids before and after taking the capsule, swallow it whole without chewing. Avoid taking the medicine while lying down.

algoren uses

It is primarily aimed at patients with cardiopathies(heart problems), although not limited to them. Propranolol exerts its effect on multiple tissues such as blood vessels, lungs, and much more. Next, we will explain some of these.

Arterial hypertension

The algoren binds to receptors on the cells of the arteries,causing them to dilate. This lowers blood pressure and the risk of worse cardiovascular events, such as arteriosclerosis orIschemic Heart Disease .

Irregular Heart Rhythm

The main effect of beta blockers on the heart is to reduce the number of heartbeats, allowing patients to stabilize their rhythm and thus increase the heart’s blood filling time.

In this way, both the irregular heart rhythm,known as arrhythmia, is treated and the distribution of blood and oxygen to the tissues is maintained. Some examples aresupraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter, or Atrial Fibrillation.

Note: In patients with arrhythmias, treatment is administered intravenously.

Pheochromocytoma

It is a tumor of the Adrenal glands.Certain of these tumors are characterized by secreting hormones with a similar function to The catecholamines of the adrenal glands.

Catecholamines are hormones, such as Adrenaline or Norepinephrinetag. They fulfill the function of stimulating the heart and making it beat faster.

In such a case, the release of these catecholamines by an endocrine tumorcould be a risk for patients. Beta blockers, such as propranolol, counteract the function of these hormones.

Angina pectoris

Commonly, angina pectoris occurs due to fatty clogging of the arteriesthat supply blood to the heart. Duringphysical exertion or at REST , the heart tissue can receive less oxygen than it needs, causing ischemia.

To highlight: Ischemia is an ominous sign of a heart attack to come. In patients with chronic ischemia, treatment with beta blockers usually improves the person’s survival.

Migraine

For preventive treatment against migraine , the Federal Drug Agency (FDA) has approved the use of two beta blockers: propranolol and timolol. ( 1 )

The dose can vary, 40 mg two to three times a daytag. The maximum recommended dose is 240 mg. If you experience migraine symptoms that do not go away, seek immediate medical attention to resolve any concerns.

Survival after a heart attack

Various clinical studies have sought to discern whether beta-blockers have a secondary protective effect after heart attack. That is, if the dose reduces the risk of mortality, morbidity, the risk of reinfarction decreases and survival increases.

Important: The studies were compiled in a publication by the Spanish Society of Cardiology, where they detail that indefinite treatment increased survival by 20-25% on average. (two)

Algoren contraindications

Although it is very beneficial, not everyone can take the algorentag. In certain cases, the contraindications will depend on whether the doctor considers whether the benefits are greater than the associated risk, but this depends on each case.

Next, we will mention some of the most frequent contraindications.

Allergy to components

Heart, liver and kidney diseases

Not everyone with heart problems should be treated with algoren, a very common example is severe decompensated heart failure, where the heart rate is so low that giving this medication could be fatal.

Note: Heart block, such as atrioventricular block , is an example of an irregular rhythm that cannot be treated with propranolol in all cases.

As for liver or kidney failure,the doctor should be cautious. Without these two “filtration” and “elimination” organs, drugs can accumulate in the body and cause adverse reactions.

Lung diseases

A previous history of severe bronchial asthma can put the patient’s life at risk if he takes this medication.

To highlight: Regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study published in the European Heart Journal shows that the use of beta blockers is completely safe in patients with COPD and even reduces the risk of in-hospital mortality. (3)

Diabetes

Algoren potentiates the action of insulin. Diabetic patients who are under treatment should keep this in mind.

On the other hand, beta-blockers Produce symptoms resembling hypoglycemia (hypotension, weakness, the patient may feel shaky), which could mask an underlying problem.

Pregnancy and lactation

The risk of Cardiac complications or alteration of blood supply to the fetus from the placenta means that this medicineshould be administered only in cases where it is considered absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the doctor should not administer it.

Important:Due to its characteristics, the algoren can reach breast milk and the infant. To avoid unnecessary complications, doctors do not recommend its consumption during lactation.

Interaction with other drugs

The effect of the algoren can be increased or decreased if it interacts with other medicationsthat the person takes. Examples are other heart medications, such as nifedipine, which increase the risk of hypotension.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, decrease the ability of algoren to lower blood pressure. If you take any of these and have any questions about taking propranolol, you should consult your doctor.

Important: Although it is not a medication, avoid drinking or smoking while taking algoren, as this changes the liver’s ability to metabolize the drug.

Algoren side effects

In certain people, consuming this tablet can cause unwanted effects, which we will explain below.

Bradycardia

In patients with pre- existing abnormalities of the excitation system of the heart (for example, presence of ectopic cardiac pacemakers), the drug may be life-threatening by causing extreme bradycardia.

Fatigue

It may be due to the drug entering the central nervous system, decreasing the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle, causing weakness and even depression.

Fatigue could also be caused by an electrolyte disturbance, such as metabolic acidosis, due to the change of ions in the body due to the action of the medication.

Upset stomach

Since it is a medicine in capsule form, it must reach the stomach first. In certain people, especially if they have a stomach disorder, oral medicationscan cause irritation and discomfort , such as nausea or vomiting.

cold extremities

To highlight: In view of this, the Cochrane magazine decided to delve into previous studies and found that there is no solid evidence that beta blockers can worsen symptoms such as calf pain or a decrease in temperature. (4)

Sleep disturbances

Since certain drugs, such as propranolol orbiotalol, can cross theblood-brain barrierand reach thecentral nervous system, they modify the wakefulness and sleep cycle, producing insomnia, drowsiness, nightmares and hallucinations.

Important: If you notice any changes in your sleep schedule shortly after starting treatment with heart medications, seek medical attention to report this.

Key Findings

• Algoren, which contains propranolol, is a medication used in the cardiovascular area to slow the heart rate and dilate the arteries.
• Studies have found beneficial results with this drug in the long term, increasing patient survival.
• In cases of liver or kidney diseases , your dose should be much lower.