Propranolol is a type of beta-blocker that helps the heart to beat slower and more steadily. Common side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhea.
Researchers originally developed propranolol to treat angina pectoris but have since found uses for it in treating other conditions, such as migraine, anxiety, and hypertension.
However, not everyone will benefit from taking it due to some contraindications. For example, people living with diabetes should not take propranolol.
The following article reviews everything a person needs to know about the medication propranolol.
A British scientist named Sir James Black first developed propranolol over
Propranolol requires a doctor’s prescription. Several companies manufacture it under the brand names:
- Inderal
- Inderal LA
- InnoPran XL
- Hemangeol
Propranolol comes in several forms, such as:
- tablets
- capsules
- oral solution (Hemangeol)
- injectable solution
Is propranolol a beta-blocker?
Propranolol is a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, otherwise known as a beta-blocker.
It works by preventing hormones, specifically beta-1 and beta-2, from interacting with the heart. By blocking these hormone receptors, beta-blockers, such as propranolol, help to slow down the heart.
Doctors typically prescribe propranolol alone or combined with other medications to treat high blood pressure.
High blood pressure makes the heart work harder than it should. If left unchecked, the heart and arteries may begin to wear down over time. The heart controls the blood supply, and if it is not working properly, it can damage many areas of the body.
Propranolol half-life
The half-life of a medication is the amount of time it takes for the drug’s active ingredients to reduce by half in the body.
Typically, propranolol has a half-life of 3 to 6 hours, but long-acting propranolol can have a half-life of 8 to 11 hours due to slower absorption in the gut.
Propranolol can take 4 to 5 half-lives to be fully effective, which is about 55 days in individuals with typical renal function.
Healthcare professionals
- severe headaches
- migraine
- chronic chest pain
- to help treat or prevent heart attacks
Other uses of propranolol include:
- portal hypertension
- pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal gland
- essential tremor
- supraventricular arrhythmia, an abnormal rhythm in the top chambers of the heart
- panic disorder
- aggressive behaviors
- restlessness due to antipsychotics
- infantile hemangioma
Can propranolol help with mental health conditions?
Negative emotions play a role in mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are a number of ways healthcare and mental health professionals help people with negative emotions. According to a 2017 study, researchers found that propranolol can block the strengthening of emotional memories if taken before a person recalls the memory.
In other words, the person’s emotional attachment to the negative memory may not be as strong while taking propranolol. This could help people manage a negative emotional memory or traumatic event.
This research added to another study published in 2016, which found that people living with PTSD have a better ability to think clearly while taking propranolol. These combined studies indicate that propranolol may play an effective role in helping people with PTSD.
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Propranolol can cause some side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild and go away within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
A person should discuss any severe symptoms or symptoms that do not go away with their healthcare professional.
Common side effects
The
- nausea
- drowsiness
- diarrhea
- wheezing or symptoms of bronchitis
- fatigue
- coldness in extremities
- slower heart rate (bradycardia)
- abdominal pain
- erectile dysfunction
- gastrointestinal issues
- dry eyes
- insulin resistance
Less common side effects
Some less common but more severe symptoms can be associated with propranolol. A person who experiences any of the following symptoms should contact a healthcare professional right away:
- breathing problems or bronchospasms
- slow heart rate
- allergic reactions, such as itching, rashes, hives, or swelling in the face or tongue
- sudden weight gain
- swelling of legs, ankles, or feet
- sudden changes in blood sugar
- trouble sleeping or nightmares
- hallucinations
Who should not take propranolol?
People with breathing disorders should not take propranolol. These include:
People with slow heartbeats or low blood pressure should also avoid this medication.
Healthcare professionals will also need to know if the person is living with or has a history of:
- liver or kidney disease
- blood sugar problems or diabetes
- circulation problems
- thyroid disorders
- congestive heart failure
- allergies
- muscular disorders
- symptoms of depression
People who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid taking propranolol.
The dosage for propranolol varies based on:
- the condition a doctor prescribes it for
- the form taken
- a person’s response to the medication
For example, some common doses of a propranolol tablet include:
- Hypertension: initial dose, twice daily 40 milligrams (mg); maintenance dose, 120 mg–240 mg per day
- Atrial fibrillation: 10 mg–30 mg three to four times per day
- Angina: 80 mg–320 mg daily
- Migraine: initial dose, 80 mg per day; maintenance doses between 160 mg–240 mg per day
- Essential tremor: initial dose, 40 mg twice per day; maintenance typically around 120 mg per day
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): initial dose, 40 mg three times per day; maintenance doses between 180 mg–240 mg per day, divided
- Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: 20 mg–40 mg three to four times per day
A person should ask their healthcare professional about dosing for their condition and follow all directions they provide. They should also make sure they follow the directions written on the medication packaging and talk with their healthcare professional or pharmacist if they have any questions.
A person should contact a healthcare professional if they notice any side effects after a dose adjustment, particularly if the symptoms are severe or do not improve in a few days.
Taking other medications can interfere with propranolol’s effectiveness. Anyone taking medication to treat heart rhythm problems should talk with their healthcare professional before taking propranolol.
People switching from other blood pressure medications, such as clonidine, should do so slowly. Over the course of a few days, a healthcare professional may recommend slowly decreasing the dose of the other medication while increasing the dose of propranolol to avoid side effects.
A person should not take propranolol with other beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and alpha-blockers, as the combined effect can lower the heart rate to an unsafe level and could trigger a heart attack. However, in certain situations, it may be safe and effective to take these medications together. A person should speak with their healthcare professional for more information.
People taking propranolol should also avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. These drugs may reduce the effects of propranolol.
If a person needs to take NSAIDs, they should work directly with a healthcare professional. They can help to decide which drug is best and monitor the person’s heart rate in order to adjust the levels of each drug as needed.
Propranolol can also interact with other substances such as alcohol. Healthcare professionals typically recommend avoiding alcohol when taking propranolol since it can increase the levels of propranolol in the body, which can lead to side effects.
A person should discuss all medications, supplements, and other substances they take with their healthcare professional They can help determine if there are alternatives or can advise a person to stop taking other medications if needed.
Propranolol may present some risk to the developing fetus. Risks include:
- small placentas
- bradycardia
- slower growth rate
- hypoglycemia
- congenital abnormalities
- respiratory depression
As a result, a person who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk with their healthcare professional before taking propranolol. A healthcare professional may still recommend the medication if they feel the benefit outweighs the risk to the developing fetus.
People concerned about or experiencing side effects and interactions from propranolol should talk with their healthcare professional about alternative medications.
Whether an alternative exists will depend on the condition a person is taking the medication to treat.
People experiencing side effects or at higher risk may find that a selective beta-blocker, such as metoprolol, may be more effective. Metoprolol is another type of beta-blocker, sometimes called a selective beta-blocker. It only blocks beta-1, not beta-2. This may help reduce the severity and risk of side effects.
Healthcare professionals may prescribe propranolol and metoprolol to treat similar conditions, such as angina, hypertension, and heart attacks. They are both forms of beta-blockers. They also share similar warnings, side effects, and interactions.
However, the two medications have some distinctions. Metoprolol is a selective beta-blocker. It only blocks beta-1, while propranolol blocks beta-1 and beta-2. This can make it less likely that a person will experience side effects from taking metoprolol, and many have reported that side effects tend to be mild.
A healthcare professional may also prescribe propranolol for different medical conditions beyond high blood pressure and angina. By comparison, metoprolol’s usage is more specifically for heart attacks, high blood pressure, and angina.
Propranolol is a type of beta-blocker. It can help manage high blood pressure, migraine, some mental health conditions, and other medical issues.
Side effects of propranolol may include nausea, drowsiness, and abdominal pain. Most side effects subside after a few weeks. However, if a person experiences side effects that are severe or that do not go away, they should speak with a healthcare professional.
Individuals should always tell their healthcare professional about any other medications they are taking, as there can be interactions with propranolol.