Chronic
High Blood Pressure
Propranolol is one of the 1st generation beta-blockers and has been in use since the 1960s. Initially intended for treating high blood pressure, the drug eventually came to be used for many other purposes, including heart disease, performance anxiety, tremors, and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This wide range of medical applications makes Propranolol one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States.
The medication’s active ingredient is Propranolol hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include magnesium stearate, cellulose, and lactose. Different treatment purposes need different doses and time periods. Propranolol thus is sold as capsules, tablets, drops, and intravenous solutions. The dose ranges from 10 mg per dose all the way to 160 mg.
Propranolol is a fast-acting medication. Depending on its treatment purpose, it takes as little as 30 minutes to take effect. For some treatments, such as when using Propranolol to manage blood pressure, it will take longer — up to a week of scheduled dosing — before the full effect is reached.
The medication is generally well-tolerated and serious complications are rare. Being in wide use for many decades, Propranolol side effects have a long, well-documented track record. Below is a list of the most common side effects.
Keep in mind that most of these side effects are likely to occur with long-term Propranolol treatment, such as when treating hypertension or chronic migraine disorder. If you only occasionally take Propranolol, as when treating performance anxiety, you are less likely to experience side effects.
Moreover, for long-term users, many side effects will resolve after the first couple of weeks, as your body gets used to the medication.
Common but generally mild side effects that can occur in about 1-5% of Propranolol users include:
As mentioned, these side effects most often appear during the first few weeks of using Propranolol. If you don’t notice any improvements in side effects by the third week of using Propranolol or if side effects worsen, stop the medication and talk to your doctor. Your MD may adjust your Propranolol dose or prescribe an alternative medication.
As with most medications, Propranolol can also have serious side effects. Fortunately, these are rare, meaning they appear in less than 1% of patients. Should you experience any of the more serious side effects described below, it’s recommended that you seek medical help right away.
For a complete list of common and rare Propranolol side effects, speak to your doctor or refer to the manufacturer’s leaflet.
Unless your doctor says otherwise, Propranolol should NOT be taken if you have:
While not strict contraindications, any of the following conditions also need to be discussed with a doctor before starting Propranolol:
Before beginning Propranolol treatment your doctor will ask you whether you are taking any other medications and advise you on whether these interact with Propranolol. Common known interactions with other medications include:
Lastly, you will also need to bear in mind that alcohol can enhance the effect of Propranolol on blood pressure. Combining the two can unintentionally lower blood pressure to levels that result in symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness. Minimizing alcohol consumption is recommended while taking Propranolol.
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