Side Effects of Propranolol
As with any medicine, side effects are possible 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 more, including potentially serious side effect you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking the following eMedTV links:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Propranolol?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
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, beta receptors in the brain may be involved.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take propranolol include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet and oral solution (liquid) form. It is taken two to four times a day based on your healthcare provider's recommendation.
- An injectable form is also available for use in treating irregular heart rhythms (usually in emergency situations).
- It is generally recommended to take this medication on an empty stomach.
- Propranolol should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication 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 the drug abruptly increases the risk of serious side effects (see Precautions and Warnings With Propranolol).
The dose of propranolol 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 taking
- How you respond to the drug.
As always, do not adjust your dose of unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much propranolol may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A severe decrease in heart rate (bradycardia)
- Difficulty breathing.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Propranolol Be Stored?
Propranolol should be stored at room temperature in a dry place. The tablets and oral solution should be kept in an airtight, light-resistant container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your propranolol as scheduled, take your missed 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.
Brand-name propranolol (
Inderal) was manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals but is no longer available. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
Propranolol tablets come in a number of strengths, including:
- Propranolol 10 mg
- Propranolol 20 mg
- Propranolol 40 mg
- Propranolol 60 mg
- Propranolol 80 mg.
Propranolol oral solution (liquid) is available in the following strengths:
- Propranolol 20 mg per 5 mL
- Propranolol 40 mg per 5 mL.
Propranolol injection comes in a 1 mg per mL strength. Propranolol is also available in a long-acting form
(see Inderal LA).
