Propranolol
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that has been widely used for over five decades to treat various cardiovascular and other conditions. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors throughout the body, reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions, tremors, migraines, and anxiety by reducing heart rate and the effects of adrenaline.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C07AA05
- RxNorm
- 8787
- Generic
- Propranolol
- Class
- atc-c07
- Brands
- Hemangeol, Inderal, InnoPran
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule, tablet, solution
- 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.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 40mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1mg/kg divided twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid near delivery
avoid use close to delivery due to risk of fetal bradycardia and hypotension
close fetal monitoring, watch for bradycardia
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment needed
propranolol is excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for signs of beta-blockade
observe infant for bradycardia, hypotension, lethargy
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsweight-based dosing required
use with caution in children; start at low dose and titrate slowly
regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and growth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower doses
increased sensitivity to beta-blockers; start with low dose and titrate slowly
regular monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatemay need dose reduction in severe impairment
use with caution; adjust dose based on renal function
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction required
use with caution in severe impairment; significant dose reduction needed
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay need dose reduction
use with caution; significant hepatic metabolism
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or use very low doses
use with extreme caution in severe hepatic impairment; avoid if possible
frequent monitoring of liver function and drug levels
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval year for Propranolol
Drug class
Beta blocker class classification
Common uses
Common therapeutic indications
Prescription volume ranking (US)
Prescription frequency in United States
Hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmias, secondary prevention after heart attack, essential tremor, migraine prophylaxis, performance anxiety, and sometimes symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Blocks both beta-1 receptors (primarily in the heart, reducing heart rate and force of contraction) and beta-2 receptors (in blood vessels, lungs, and other tissues), thereby lowering blood pressure, reducing cardiac workload, and easing symptoms like tremor and anxiety.
Should not be stopped abruptly as this can worsen angina or cause rebound hypertension. Use with caution in patients with asthma, diabetes, or certain heart conditions like heart block or severe bradycardia. May mask symptoms of low blood sugar in diabetic patients. Alcohol may increase blood pressure-lowering effects.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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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 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy