

Propranolol
- Classic broad spectrum beta blocker
- Controls pressure, tremor, migraines
- Immediate or once daily release options
Product Information
Better health begins with the right choices.
Dr. M. Sharoyko
Internal Medicine Physician | MNr. 80134
Dr. Marina Sharoyko is a medical specialist in clinical pharmacology and internal medicine, with additional expertise in cardiology and physiology.
Description
Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to manage high blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels. By blocking the effects of adrenaline, it slows the heart rate and decreases the force of heart contractions. This helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of serious complications like stroke or heart attack.
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker, meaning it affects both the heart and certain blood vessels. It is commonly used not only to control high blood pressure, but also to treat a range of cardiovascular conditions, including irregular heart rhythms and angina. In addition, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for issues such as anxiety or migraine prevention.
The medication is usually taken once or twice daily, depending on the formulation and individual treatment plan. Some versions are long-acting, providing a steady dose throughout the day, while others are shorter-acting and may require multiple doses. Dosage is typically adjusted based on blood pressure response and any side effects.
Most people do not notice immediate changes when starting Propranolol, but with consistent use, it helps maintain blood pressure within a healthy range. Long-term treatment can significantly lower the risk of heart-related events and organ damage caused by prolonged hypertension.
Side effects are generally mild and may include fatigue, dizziness, or cold hands and feet. These symptoms often lessen over time. Because Propranolol can affect other systems in the body, it should be used under medical supervision especially in people with asthma or certain heart conditions.
General Information
Propranolol is a nonselective betablocker tablet or capsule that reduces the effects of adrenaline throughout the body.
It treats high blood pressure, angina, irregular heartbeats, tremor, performance anxiety, migraine prevention, hyperthyroidism symptoms, and prevents bleeding in portal hypertension.
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both beta-1 (β₁) receptors in the heart and beta-2 (β₂) receptors in the lungs, blood vessels, and other tissues.
By blocking β₁ receptors, it slows the heart rate, reduces the force of cardiac contraction, and lowers cardiac output, which helps manage high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmias.
By blocking β₂ receptors, it can constrict bronchial smooth muscle and influence peripheral blood vessels and metabolic functions (e.g., reducing tremors, blunting stress-induced glucose release).
In the brain, propranolol crosses the blood–brain barrier and dampens sympathetic nervous system activity, which is useful in conditions like performance anxiety, migraine prevention, and essential tremor.
Overall, propranolol reduces the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, helping to control symptoms driven by excessive sympathetic activity.
Doses vary widely: hypertension often starts at 40 mg twice daily; migraine prophylaxis and anxiety 1040 mg one hour before the event or 80160 mg daily; cirrhosis 20 mg twice daily titrated to heartrate 5560 bpm.
Propranolol typically begins to lower heart rate, reduce hand tremors, and ease symptoms of anxiety within 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration. For conditions like migraine prevention or essential tremor, full benefit may take several days to weeks of consistent use. Therapeutic response in hypertension may also take a few weeks to stabilize.
If you miss a dose of propranolol, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it's within 6 hours of your scheduled dose. If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Safety & Side Effects
- Common effects include fatigue, cold hands and feet, vivid dreams, and mild depression. Some users notice slow pulse, dizziness, or stomach cramps. Because beta2 blockade narrows the airways, wheeze or shortness of breath can occur, especially in undiagnosed asthma.
- Rare but serious problems are severe bradycardia, heart block, heartfailure, or bronchospasm requiring emergency inhaler treatment.
- Allergic reactionsitchy rash, facial swelling, or sudden difficulty breathingare uncommon but demand immediate attention.
Propranolol is contraindicated in individuals with:
- Asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), due to the risk of bronchospasm (since propranolol is non-selective and can block beta-2 receptors in the lungs).
- Second- or third-degree heart block (unless a pacemaker is present), as it may exacerbate the block.
- Untreated heart failure or severe heart failure, as propranolol may worsen the condition.
- Severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate), as propranolol can further decrease the heart rate.
- Known hypersensitivity to propranolol or any of its components.
- Caution is required in conditions like diabetes, hypotension, and peripheral vascular disease, among others.
Yes, but caution is needed when combining propranolol with other medications that affect heart rate, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels. Some important interactions include:
- Other blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics), as they may have an additive effect on lowering blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers like verapamil and diltiazem, which can also slow the heart rate, potentially leading to excessive bradycardia or heart block.
- Digoxin, which, in combination with propranolol, can further slow the heart rate and increase the risk of heart block.
- Clonidine, which can lead to a rebound hypertension effect when suddenly stopped, especially when combined with propranolol.
- Drugs that alter blood sugar, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics, since propranolol can mask some symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as tachycardia.
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking, including inhalers, insulin, antidepressants, or any over-the-counter drugs, to avoid potential interactions.
Propranolol can be used during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks but may slow the fetal heart and restrict growth. It is excreted in breast milk in low amounts; monitor the infant for drowsiness.
Alcohol can enhance bloodpressure lowering causing dizziness; moderation is advised.
Usage & Administration
Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water, at consistent times each day; extendedrelease capsules must not be crushed.
Store below 30 °C in a dry place away from light.
Food slightly increases bioavailability but is not essential; taking with a snack may reduce nausea.
Immediaterelease tablets can be crushed and mixed with soft food; modifiedrelease capsules must remain intact.
Ordering & Delivery
To get [Product name], fill out a medical form or book a video consult with a doctor via Transtoyou. After approval, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy for fast delivery.
[Product name] requires a valid prescription, which is issued after the doctor reviewed your answered in the medical questionnaire or via a video consultation with the doctor.
After approval by a doctor from Transtoyou, the prescription of [Product name] is forwarded to an affiliated pharmacy and typically shipped within 1–2 working days.
For safety and legal reasons prescription medication (RX) and in this case [Product name] is non-returnable once shipped.
