Propranolol
Also sold as: Inderal
Usual adult dose
High blood pressure: 40 to 80 mg twice a day. Migraine prevention or tremor: 40 mg two or three times a day, usual total 80 to 160 mg a day. Do not stop suddenly.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- tiredness
- cold hands and feet
- slow heartbeat
- bad dreams
- trouble sleeping
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- very slow heartbeat
- fainting
- wheezing or breathlessness
- worsening heart failure (swollen legs)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Asthma or chronic lung disease with wheezing
- Very slow heartbeat or heart block
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Diabetes (can hide signs of low blood sugar; use with caution)
- Do not stop suddenly
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious5 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Adrenaline
Propranolol can block adrenaline and cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure with slow heartbeat.
- Budesonide + Formoterol
Non-selective beta blockers block formoterol and can trigger severe bronchospasm.
- Clonidine
If clonidine is stopped while taking propranolol, blood pressure can rise dangerously.
- Fluticasone + Salmeterol
Non-selective beta blockers block salmeterol and can trigger severe bronchospasm.
- Verapamil
Together they can cause very slow heartbeat, heart block and heart failure.
Moderate9 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Biphasic isophane insulin 30/70
Beta blockers can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Glibenclamide
Propranolol can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Glimepiride
Beta blockers can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Insulin aspart
Beta blockers can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.