Propranolol is a beta-blocker that slows down the activity of your heart by stopping the transmission of messages from the nerves to your heart. It acts on the heart and blood vessels and therefore is widely used for cardiac problems. The conditions that require the management by Propranolol are as follows:
The adult oral doses for different uses are listed below:
For high blood pressure
Start with 80 mg twice daily, increase the dose at weekly intervals if necessary. The maintenance dose is 160-320 mg daily.
For prevention of variceal bleeding in portal hypertension
Start with 40 mg twice daily, then increase to 80 mg twice daily. The maximum dose is 160 mg twice daily and the dose should be adjusted according to the heart rate.
For angina
Start with 40 mg 2-3 times daily and the maintenance dose is 120-240 mg daily.
For anxiety with symptoms such as palpitations, sweating and tremors
40 mg once daily, then increase if necessary to 40 mg 3 times daily.
For prevention after a heart attack
Start with 40 mg 4 times a day for 2-3 days, followed by 80 mg twice daily. Treatment should be started 5-21 days after a heart attack.
For tremor
Start with 40 mg 2-3 times daily. The maintenance dose is 80-160 mg daily.
For prevention of migraine
80-240 mg daily in divided doses.
For arrhythmias
10-40 mg 3-4 times a day.
Common side effects of Propranolol include slow heartbeat, depression, dizziness, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, headache, and heart failure.
Common dosing schedule:
You should take Propranolol on an empty stomach.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Propranolol may interact with:
Propranolol can interact with a number of drugs. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Propranolol is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Propranolol in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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