Propranolol

Sounds like 'pro-PRAN-oh-lol'

Key points about propranolol

Propranolol has a number of different uses such as to prevent migraines, to prevent chest pain (angina), reduce the symptoms of tremor or trembling and shakes and to ease the symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heartbeat and sweating.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

Propranolol is used to treat a number of different conditions and related symptoms, such as:

to lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
to prevent chest pain (angina)
to reduce heart rate in people with abnormally fast heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
following a heart attack, to protect the heart
for essential tremor to reduce the symptoms of trembling and shakes
to ease the symptoms of anxiety, such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, trembling
for overactive thyroid gland, to reduce symptoms such as tremor or fast heartbeat
to prevent migraines.

Propranolol belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Propranolol works by slowing down your heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Propranolol comes as immediate release tablets or controlled release capsules.

The dose of propranolol will be different for different people depending your medical condition and response to treatment.
Always take your propranolol exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much propranolol to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

Immediate release tablets
- Take these as you have been prescribed (usually between 2 to 4 times a day).
- Take your doses at the same times each day.
Controlled release capsules (usually has LA after the name)
- Take these once a day, in the morning – the capsules are designed to release the medication slowly over a few hours.
- Swallow the controlled release capsule whole, with a glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew them – this will release all the medication at once and increase your chance of side effects.
You can take propranolol with or without food.
If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
Do not stop taking propranolol suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

Here are some things to know when you're taking propranolol. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Avoid alcohol while you are taking propranolol, especially when you first start treatment. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness.
Propranolol can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking including over the counter medicines or herbal and complementary medicines.

If you have diabetes

If you have diabetes, propranolol may cause changes in your blood glucose level. This effect usually settles with time.
Beta-blockers may reduce the warning signs of a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia – often called a hypo). For example, you may not have the feeling of fast, irregular or strong heartbeats (palpitations) or tremor, which can occur when your blood glucose is going too low.
If you are worried about this, talk to your doctor. Do not stop taking your beta-blocker without checking with your doctor first. Read more about hypoglycaemia.

If you have asthma

If you have asthma, taking a beta blocker may trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse. Not everybody with asthma is sensitive to these medicines.
If you are worried about this, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medicine or increase the dose of your asthma preventer medication.
Do not suddenly stop taking your beta-blocker without talking to your doctor first. This can be dangerous and make you feel unwell. Read more about medicines that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Like all medicines propranolol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if they bother you.

Tiredness, headache, problems falling asleep or nightmares.
Low mood or depression.
Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick).
Cold hands and feet, dry eyes, sexual problems.
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded or faint when you stand up. This is quite common when you first start taking propranolol and usually goes way with time. Be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting to avoid falls. These effects put you at risk of falls and injuries, especially if you're an older adult. Stand up slowly. If you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a few moments.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

Changes in your heartbeat (feeling like it's too fast or irregular).
Problems with breathing such as chest tightness, or wheezing or swelling of the ankles or feet.