MedDataToolPropranolol is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), certain heart rhythm issues, migraines, and essential tremors. It works by blocking certain signals in the body that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, helping to relax blood vessels and reduce the workload on the heart. You typically start with a dose of 40 mg taken twice a day, and the maximum dose can go up to 640 mg a day depending on your condition. It's important to know that stopping this medication suddenly can worsen angina or cause heart problems, so any changes should be done gradually under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, if you have asthma, you should avoid taking propranolol, as it can trigger breathing issues.
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Uses
- Hypertension.
- Angina pectoris.
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Myocardial infarction.
- Migraine prevention.
- Essential tremor.
- Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
- Pheochromocytoma.
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Dosage
- 40 mg twice daily for hypertension. 80 mg to 320 mg daily for angina. 10 mg to 30 mg three or four times daily for atrial fibrillation. 40 mg three times daily for myocardial infarction. 80 mg daily for migraine prevention. 40 mg twice daily for essential tremor. 20 mg to 40 mg three or four times daily for hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. 60 mg daily for pheochromocytoma.
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Side effects
Common
Light-headednessNauseaFatigueBradycardiaHypotensionHallucinations
Serious
Severe allergic reactionsCardiac failure
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Do not stop taking suddenly; reduce dosage gradually.
- May worsen angina or cause heart attack if stopped abruptly.
- Use cautiously in patients with asthma or bronchospastic diseases.
- Monitor for low blood sugar in diabetics.
- May mask symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Caution in patients undergoing major surgery.
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Drug interactions
- Quinidineincreases propranolol levelsMonitor
- Digitalisincreases risk of bradycardiaMonitor
- Calcium channel blockersmay cause heart issuesCaution
- Warfarinincreases warfarin concentrationMonitor
- Alcoholmay increase propranolol levelsCaution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).