The U.S. FDA-approved Propranolol to treat various conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), phaeochromocytoma, anxiety, esophageal bleeding, and other cardiovascular diseases, on 13 November 1967. Propranolol contains an active ingredient called Propranolol which belongs to the medication class known as beta-blockers. Beta-blockers are medications that block the effects of stress hormones on the heart and blood vessels, commonly used to treat cardiovascular conditions. 

Propranolol is used to treat several conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders), post-myocardial infarction (heart attack) protection, migraine, essential tremor, anxiety, thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormone activity), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle), phaeochromocytoma (high blood pressure due to a tumor near the kidney), and esophageal bleeding caused by high blood pressure in the liver.

Take the Propranolol as your physician advises. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the capsule if your doctor advises you to stop. Always inform your children's age before starting the treatment because dose adjustments will be made for the children. 

The most common side effects of Propranolol are cold fingers and toes, slower heart rate, numbness and spasm in the fingers (Raynaud's phenomenon), disrupted sleep or nightmares, and fatigue. 

Do not consume Propranolol if you are allergic to Propranolol and its other ingredients. This medicine is not suggested for individuals with uncontrolled heart failure, certain heart conditions such as heart block, excessively slow or irregular heartbeats, very low blood pressure, severe circulatory problems, fasting or recent fasting, untreated phaeochromocytoma (high blood pressure caused by a tumor near the kidney), metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the body fluids), or Prinzmetal's angina. 

Do not consume Propranolol if you are allergic to Propranolol and its other ingredients. This medicine is not suggested for individuals with uncontrolled heart failure, certain heart conditions such as heart block, excessively slow or irregular heartbeats, very low blood pressure, severe circulatory problems, fasting or recent fasting, untreated phaeochromocytoma (high blood pressure caused by a tumor near the kidney), metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the body fluids), or Prinzmetal's angina. 

Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 20°C-25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it. Patients with liver and kidney conditions should exercise caution when taking Propranolol and inform their doctor about their medical history. Following the prescribed dosage is important; do not double-dose if a dose is missed. 

Any serious side effects should be promptly reported to the doctor. Dose adjustments may be necessary, as advised by the medical professional. It is mandatory to communicate with your doctor for further guidance. Additionally, individuals who are intolerant to lactose should not take this medication. Before any surgical procedure, it is essential to inform the anesthetist or medical staff about your current use of Propranolol.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.

1. Milpharm Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on July 2022] [ Accessed on 30th May 2023],*pil.11811.pdf (medicines.org.uk)
2. Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on November 2010] [Accessed on 30th May 2023], label (fda.gov)