Hemangiol

Uses of  Hemangiol

Hemangiol is used to treat Proliferating Infantile Hemangiomas that require systemic therapy.

Common scenarios include:

• • Hemangiomas that are life-threatening or interfere with vital functions (e.g., breathing, eating, vision).
  • Ulcerated hemangiomas that are painful or prone to infection.
  • Hemangiomas with a risk of permanent disfigurement.

Precautions and Warnings

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Breathing problems: In general, people who have asthma and certain other breathing problems or chronic lung disease should use propranolol with caution, as it can also have the effect of causing breathing difficulty. If your child develops a cold with shortness of breath and wheezing, treatment should be temporarily stopped. If your child has breathing problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart conditions: Propranolol may cause symptoms of certain heart conditions to become worse. It may decrease the heart rate or blood pressure or may cause heart block. If your child has heart problems, discus with your child’s doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: The safety and effectiveness of this using this medication have not been determined for children with kidney problems. Propranolol oral solution should not be used by children with decreased kidney function.

Liver function: The safety and effectiveness of this using this medication have not been determined for children with liver problems. Propranolol oral solution should not be used by children with decreased liver function.

Low blood sugar: This medication may cause low blood sugar or make low blood sugar worse in children. The early signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, hunger or rapid heartbeat, may not be as noticeable when taking propranolol. In children, unusual irritability, sleepiness, nightmares, or crying out during sleep may be signs of low blood sugar. Providing a sugary drink such as fruit juice can help relieve these symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat these symptoms if they occur. Episodes of severe low blood sugar can cause seizures or be life-threatening.

It is recommended that this medication be given during or right after a feed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar developing.

The safety and effectiveness of this medication has not been determined for children less than 5 weeks of age. It should not be given to premature children who have not reached the corrected age of 5 weeks.

Dosage

The recommended dose of propranolol oral solution is based on the child’s body weight. The usual starting dose is calculated as 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken by mouth, 2 times a day. After 1 week, the doctor will increase the dose to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken 2 times a day. After 1 week at this dose, the doctor will increase the dose to 1.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. This medication should be continued for 6 months and then stopped.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Sleep disturbances.
• Cold extremities.
• Diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Fatigue.

Serious Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia.
• Bradycardia.
• Hypotension.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.