Drug reference
propranolol
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Beta Blockers)
Mechanism of action
Nonselective beta adrenergic receptor blocker; competitive beta1 and beta2 receptor inhibition results in decreases in heart rate, myocardial contractility, myocardial oxygen demand, and blood pressure Class 2 antidysrhythmic
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Aggravated congestive heart failure
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Depression
- Arthropathy
- Hyper/hypoglycemia
Contraindications
- Asthma, COPD Severe sinus bradycardia or 2°/3° heart block (except in patients with functioning artificial pacemaker) Cardiogenic shock Uncompensated congestive heart failure Hypersensitivity Overt heart failure Sick sinus syndrome without permanent pacemaker
- Infantile hemangioma: Premature infants with corrected age <5 weeks Infants weighing <2 kg Hypersensitivity Asthma or history of bronchospasm Heart rate <80 bpm Greater than first-degree heart block Decompensated heart failure Blood pressure <50/30 mm Hg Pheochromocytoma
Known interactions (3)
- chlorpromazine + propranolol Moderate
- Escitalopram + propranolol Moderate
- propranolol + Sulpiride Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is propranolol?
propranolol belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does propranolol work?
Nonselective beta adrenergic receptor blocker; competitive beta1 and beta2 receptor inhibition results in decreases in heart rate, myocardial contractility, myocardial oxygen demand, and blood pressure Class 2 antidysrhythmic
What are the common side effects of propranolol?
Fatigue, Aggravated congestive heart failure, Bradycardia, Hypotension, Depression, Arthropathy, Hyper/hypoglycemia
Which drugs interact with propranolol?
chlorpromazine, Escitalopram, Sulpiride
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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