Propranolol

Propranolol is a prescription drug used to control high blood pressure, relieve symptoms of angina, and treat other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. By decreasing heart rate, blood pressure, and the heart's workload, this medication reduces the risks that accompany long-term hypertension. You should take propranolol at the same time every day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.

 

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Some uses of propranolol include:
 
However, Propranolol does not cure these diseases.
 
Propranolol may also be recommended for other reasons, such as anxiety treatment. Propranolol has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click What Is Propranolol Used For? for more information on the drug's uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 
Propranolol is also available in a long-acting form called Inderal LA (see Inderal LA).
 

Who Makes Propranolol?

Propranolol is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
 
 

How Does Propranolol Work?

Propranolol is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta blockers for short. As the name implies, beta blockers block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the heart and blood vessels. These receptors are what stress hormones (such as adrenaline) attach to and cause certain reactions in the body, such as an increase in:
 
By blocking beta receptors, propranolol causes the reverse effect of stress hormones. It decreases heart rate and both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as the heart's workload. This means that the heart requires less blood and oxygen to work properly.
 
For people with migraines or an essential tremor, it is not known exactly how propranolol works. However, there are beta receptors in the brain that may be involved.
 

Effects of Propranolol

By lowering blood pressure, propranolol can decrease the risks that accompany long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). By decreasing the heart's workload, propranolol can also decrease symptoms of angina, including chest pain. Although the exact mechanism is not known, propranolol can increase the survival rate in people who have just suffered a heart attack.
 
Other effects of propranolol are discussed in more detail in the eMedTV article What Is Propranolol Used For?.
 

When and How Do I Take Propranolol?

Some general considerations for when and how to take propranolol include:
 
  • Propranolol comes in tablet form and is taken several times a day based on your healthcare provider's recommendation.
  • It is best to take propranolol right before a meal.
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the propranolol tablets.
  • Propranolol should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
  • For propranolol to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Propranolol will not work if you stop taking it.
  • You should not stop taking propranolol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Stopping propranolol abruptly increases the risk of serious side effects (see Precautions and Warnings With Propranolol).
     

Propranolol Dosing

The dose of propranolol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to propranolol.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose of propranolol unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Propranolol Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Propranolol

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with propranolol. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
(Click Propranolol Side Effects to learn about the possible side effects of propranolol, including less common but more serious problems to watch for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
 

Propranolol Drug Interactions

Propranolol can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Drug Interactions With Propranolol).
 

Propranolol: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking propranolol if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Inderal and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Smoke
  • Drink alcohol
  • Will be undergoing surgery or anesthesia.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Propranolol for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take propranolol.)
 

What If I Take a Propranolol Overdose?

People who take too much propranolol may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
If you happen to overdose on propranolol, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Inderal Overdose for more information.)
 

Propranolol Storage Methods

Propranolol should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. Propranolol tablets should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
 
Keep propranolol and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Propranolol?

If you do not take your propranolol as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Propranolol Strengths

Propranolol tablets come in a number of strengths, including:
 
  • Propranolol 10 mg tablets
  • Propranolol 20 mg tablets
  • Propranolol 40 mg tablets
  • Propranolol 60 mg tablets
  • Propranolol 80 mg tablets.
     

Generic Propranolol

Propranolol is available as a generic medicine (see Generic Propranolol).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;