Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | Leaflets | Patient+ | News | Products | Other
Print options:   Other options:   Bookmark and Share

Propranolol

Post your experience
See others (47 there)
  • Propranolol belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers.
  • Propranolol can be used to treat lots of different conditions.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
  • The most common side effects are tiredness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes and nose), disturbed sleep, nightmares, shortness of breath, upset tummy, skin rashes or dry eyes.

About propranolol

Type of medicine Beta-blocker
Used for High blood pressure
Angina (chest pain)
Irregular heartbeat
Anxiety
Thyroid problems
Protection of the heart following a heart attack
Prevention of migraines
Also called Bedranol SR; Beta-Prograne; Half Beta-Prograne; Half-Inderal LA; Inderal; Inderal LA; Rapranol SR, Slo-Pro; Syprol
Available as Tablet, capsule, oral liquid and injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as beta-blockers. Propranolol is used to treat a number of different problems.
High Blood Pressure: Propranolol slows down the activity of the heart, decreasing blood pressure.
Angina: Propranolol slows down the activity of the heart and reduces the heart's need for oxygen. This makes angina attacks less likely to occur.
Irregular Heartbeat: Normally the heartbeat is regulated by special tissues which conduct electricity. Some cases of irregular heartbeat are caused by these tissues conducting electricity too quickly. Propranolol works by reducing over-activity in the conducting tissue.
Anxiety: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as fast heartbeat, palpitations and trembling. Propranolol slows the heart rate to relieve these symptoms. (This medicine does not relieve the emotional symptoms associated with anxiety such as stress or fear, these symptoms should be treated separately).
Thyroid Problems: An overactive thyroid gland causes symptoms such as a fast or pounding heartbeat, trembling and sweating. Propranolol relieves these symptoms quickly, while anti-thyroid treatment takes effect (this may be several weeks).
Protecting the heart: Taking beta-blockers after having a heart attack has been shown, in some patients, to reduce the risk of a second attack.
Migraine: The pain of a migraine attack is usually due to widening of the blood vessels on the surface of the brain. Propranolol prevents this widening and thus prevents attacks.

Before taking propranolol

Before taking propranolol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from low blood pressure or poor circulation.
  • If you suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties.
  • If you suffer from diabetes.
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If you suffer from severe allergic reactions.
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma.

How to take propranolol

  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as this can cause problems.
  • Try to take your medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • Swallow the modified release form of propranolol whole (not crushed or chewed).

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctors appointments so your progress can be monitored.
  • It is very important to follow any dietary advice that you may have been given by your doctor.

Can propranolol cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Possible side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Tiredness, coldness of the extremities (fingers, toes and nose), disturbed sleep, nightmares, upset tummy, skin rashes or dry eyes. Speak with your doctor if you suffer from these side effects.
Shortness of breath Speak with your doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from these side effects.

How to store propranolol

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2009 DocID: 1480 DocRef: dils2589 Last Reviewed: 21 Jun 2007 Version: 23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | Leaflets | Patient+ | News | Products | Other
Print options:   Other options:   Bookmark and Share
Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Related pages in Patient UK

Your Experience (^ top of page)

 Please add your experience about this condition / medicine
 View Patient Experience for 'Propranolol' (47 there)
 Beta-Blockers

 Panic Disorder
 Panic Disorder and its Management

Latest Health News

 View current health news

NHS Approved Pharmacy - for online prescriptions

Medical equipment

 Pill/Tablet Equipment

Visit the Patient UK Medical Equipment shop

Books


Visit the Patient UK shop

Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)

Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.
Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Advertisements













Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control over the content of any external links above. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Information Leaflets which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Support Groups which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Medicines & Drugs which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of diagrams which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of PatientPlus (detailed reference) articles which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of UK Guidelines which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of other selected websites which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Poems and Stories which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Operations and Procedures which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Online Videos which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links through to our interactive forum.
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to news stories on this subject in our Online Newspaper
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to related products
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to other useful sources of information
Click here to open a printer-friendly version of this document, in a new window, together with the print dialogue box
Click here to open this document in PDF format
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Click here to listen to the MP3 audio recording of this document
Click here to download the audio recording of this document as a podcast, for listening to at your leisure
Click here to open our Dictionaries and Glossaries page
Click here to see related products in our Online Pharmacy
Note: this will open in a new window
Click here to add this page to a social bookmarking site of your choice
Click here if you want to find out more about social bookmarking. This link will take you to the Wikipedia explanation
Note: this will open in a new window
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Information Leaflets which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Support Groups which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Medicines & Drugs which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of diagrams which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of PatientPlus (detailed reference) articles which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of UK Guidelines which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of other selected websites which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Poems and Stories which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Operations and Procedures which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Online Videos which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links through to our interactive forum.
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to news stories on this subject in our Online Newspaper
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to related products
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to other useful sources of information
Click here to open a printer-friendly version of this document, in a new window, together with the print dialogue box
Click here to open this document in PDF format
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Click here to listen to the MP3 audio recording of this document
Click here to download the audio recording of this document as a podcast, for listening to at your leisure
Click here to open our Dictionaries and Glossaries page
Click here to see related products in our Online Pharmacy
Note: this will open in a new window
Click here to add this page to a social bookmarking site of your choice
Click here if you want to find out more about social bookmarking. This link will take you to the Wikipedia explanation
Note: this will open in a new window
Click here to return to the home page
Click here to read our 'About Us' page
Go to the Emis Access website, where you can book an appointment with your GP, order a repeat prescription or view you medical record online.
Note: this will open in a new window
View and/or join in discussion about health, lifestyle and disease in our interactive forum.
Note: this will open in a new window
Visit our pharmacy product price comparison website
Go to our online newspaper for current medical news and commentary.
Note: this will open in a new window
Adverts on this site do not influence the medical content. Click to read more.
Adverts on this site do not influence the medical content. Click to read more.
This organsition has been certified as a producer of reliable health and social care information.

Click the image to find out more.