About propranolol hydrochloride
Non-selective beta blocker
Used for
- High blood pressure and some heart rhythm problems
- Angina and migraine prevention
- Certain tremors and anxiety symptoms
- Some childhood heart conditions and infantile haemangiomas
Usual adult dose
Varies by condition: commonly 40 mg two or three times daily; migraine prevention often starts at 40 mg twice daily.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed and weight-based; doses vary by condition and product.
Common side effects
- Tiredness, dizziness, or cold hands and feet
- Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or sleep disturbance
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
Important warnings
- Do not stop suddenly; dose reduction should be gradual.
- May worsen asthma and can mask warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Use caution with slow heartbeat, heart block, or worsening heart failure.
- Liquid concentrations differ; measure doses carefully.
Pregnancy
Use only when clinically needed; may affect fetal growth and cause newborn low blood sugar or slow heartbeat.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible in usual doses; monitor the infant for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or slow heartbeat.
Interactions
- Other medicines that slow heart rate, including verapamil or diltiazem
- Insulin and diabetes medicines; propranolol can mask low blood sugar signs
- Some antidepressants, including fluoxetine and paroxetine
- Clonidine; stopping either medicine requires careful planning
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.