Oxprenolol
Oxprenolol is a non-selective beta-blocker medication that was historically used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. It works by blocking both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and the force of heart contractions while also causing blood vessel dilation.
Oxprenolol is an older non-selective beta-blocker used primarily for hypertension and angina, with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity that distinguishes it from many other beta-blockers.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AA02
- RxNorm
- 7801
- Generic
- Oxprenolol
- Class
- atc-c07
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Oxprenolol was primarily prescribed for essential hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart), and certain cardiac arrhythmias. It may also have been used for migraine prophylaxis and anxiety symptoms in some cases.
As a non-selective beta-blocker, oxprenolol blocks both beta-1 receptors (predominantly in the heart) and beta-2 receptors (in blood vessels and lungs). It reduces heart rate, decreases the force of heart contractions, and lowers blood pressure. Notably, it has intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), meaning it produces slight stimulation of beta receptors even while blocking them, which may result in less reduction of resting heart rate compared to other beta-blockers.
Oxprenolol should not be stopped abruptly as this may cause rebound hypertension or angina. It is contraindicated in patients with severe bradycardia, heart block, heart failure, or asthma (due to non-selective beta-2 blockade). Common side effects include fatigue, cold extremities, and bradycardia. This medication has been largely superseded by cardioselective beta-blockers with more favorable safety profiles.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy