Hemangeol: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Hemangeol (active ingredient propranolol) is an oral solution given to infants and children to treat an inherited condition called hemangioma.

Hemangeol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat a certain genetic condition called neonatal hemangioma. Medicines help shrink tumors, preventing them from developing into sores or red spots on the surface of the skin.

Before starting to give children Hemangeol, parents need to carefully read the instructions for use of the drug. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Give your child hemangeol as prescribed by the doctor, the usual dose is 2 times a day (at least 9 hours apart). Hemangeol should be taken during or immediately after a meal. If the child cannot eat or is vomiting, skip the next dose. Do not shake the drug solution before use. Measure the dose with a special instrument or with an oral syringe. Do not use a spoon because it is difficult to estimate the exact dose. You can use a syringe to take the correct volume of medicine and then inject it directly into the child's mouth or mix the dose with a small amount of milk or juice and give it to the child to drink. If you are not sure whether your child has taken the full dose or if you suspect that he or she has taken too much, do not give your child another dose, but wait for the next scheduled dose. To minimize the risk of side effects, your doctor may instruct you to start with a low dose and increase it gradually. The doctor will usually increase the dose as the child gains weight. The child's blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored for 2 hours after the first dose and after each dose increase. Use Hemangeol regularly as directed by your doctor. To avoid missing doses, give your child the medicine at the same time each day.

Transient symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue may occur when the child's body is in the process of adapting to the drug. Diarrhea, stomach pain, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, trouble falling asleep, and unusual dreams may also occur. If this persists or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist for proper treatment. Hemangeol has the ability to reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, leading to a feeling of cold extremities. Tell the doctor if this happens and dress the child in warm clothes. Take your child to the doctor immediately if he/she has any serious signs, including: fainting, pale, blue, or cyanotic skin, signs of heart failure (such as difficulty breathing, swollen ankles, etc.) swollen feet, unusual tiredness, sudden unexplained weight gain); irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (such as high fever, cough, persistent sore throat), mental changes, unusual mood (such as sudden agitation). Taking Hemangeol can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if your child is having anorexia, skipping meals, or is vomiting. Symptoms of low blood sugar include: Excessive sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, convulsions, weakness or tingling in the hands or feet. If you notice that your child shows signs of hypoglycemia, stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor right away. In addition, the drug may increase the risk of stroke in children with large hemangiomas on the face or head. In case the child has signs of stroke such as: slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, sudden change in vision, parents need to take the child to the emergency room immediately. Very rarely, a serious allergic reaction to Hemangeol . However, if the child is found to have signs of an allergy, parents need to take the child to the doctor as soon as possible.

Products your child is using may affect how the medicine works or increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, parents need to take notes and list all the products that the child is using (including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products) for the doctor and pharmacist to know. . Especially problems related to breathing (such as asthma), heart disease (such as heart failure, bradycardia, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), anaphylaxis, adrenal myeloma, or blood pressure very low. Do not take, stop or change the dosage of any medication on your own during your treatment without your doctor's approval. Some active ingredients that may interact with Hemangeol include: Bile acid-binding resins (such as cholestyramine), epinephrine, and thioridazine. Hemangeol is not usually prescribed for adults. Therefore, do not take this medicine during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Get professional advice from your doctor if you have any questions about this medicine.

Symptoms of Hemangeol overdose include: Heart rate becomes very slow, lightheadedness, fainting, sudden mood changes (such as restlessness, anxiety), unusual seizures. Do not give this medicine to your child with other medicines without first consulting with your doctor. Check your child's blood pressure and heart rate often while taking this medicine, especially when first starting it or after increasing the dose. If possible, ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on how to monitor your child's blood pressure and heart rate at home, take notes, and periodically share the results with the doctor.

If you forget to give your child medicine, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Continue taking your medication on schedule as usual. Do not supplement the drug by doubling the dose.

Store Hemangeol at room temperature. The medicine should be thrown away 2 months after opening the vial.
Knowing the information about Hemangeol before using it always brings positive effects and reduces risks for children. Besides, if you have any questions about drug information, customers can send questions to Vinmec International General Hospital to receive in-depth advice from a team of doctors and pharmacists.

Reference source: Webmd.com