Pros
Can help treat performance or situational anxiety
Can decrease frequency and severity of migraines
Treats high blood pressure, angina, and irregular heart rhythms
Extended-release versions allow for once-daily dosing
Propranolol is a beta-blocker. Like other beta-blockers, propranolol affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through the arteries and veins).
Propranolol treats high blood pressure, tremors, chest pain (angina), heart rhythm disorders, and other heart or circulatory conditions. It can also help prevent heart attacks and reduce the severity of migraine headaches. Propranolol is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Inderal.
Propranolol may be prescribed as a tablet, extended-release capsule, oral suspension, or injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Propranolol, be sure to complete the entire course of the beta-blocker unless your healthcare professional specifically tells you to stop. The beta-blocker may only fully treat your heart or circulatory condition if you take your entire prescription.
There are eight FDA-approved uses for Inderal, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons.
It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Inderal is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It may be prescribed alone or used with other antihypertensive medications.
Inderal is FDA-approved to treat chest pain and improve exercise tolerance in patients with angina pectoris due to coronary atherosclerosis.
Inderal is FDA-approved to manage familial or hereditary essential tremor, which involves involuntary movements typically limited to the upper limbs.
Inderal is FDA-approved for the prevention of migraine headaches. It should not be used to treat ongoing migraine attacks.
Inderal is FDA-approved to treat other heart and circulatory conditions, including myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, hypertrophic sub-aortic stenosis, and pheochromocytoma.
Can help treat performance or situational anxiety
Can decrease frequency and severity of migraines
Treats high blood pressure, angina, and irregular heart rhythms
Extended-release versions allow for once-daily dosing
May worsen symptoms of asthma
May decrease heart rate significantly
May cause fatigue, cold hands or feet, and weight gain
Stopping suddenly can lead to heart-related issues
The side effects associated with taking propranolol are typically mild. Most propranolol side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Propranolol has some common side effects. They may include:
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
Dizziness and tiredness
Runny or stuffy nose
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Slow or uneven heartbeats
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Sudden weakness or vision problems
Allergic reactions
Tell your doctor if you notice any adverse effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Contact your local poison control center or seek immediate medical attention if you experience peeling skin, hallucinations, muscle cramps, or weakness.
Hemangeol (propranolol oral liquid) may be given to infants between five weeks and one-year-old to treat infantile hemangiomas.
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your propranolol prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Propranolol can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The initial propranolol dosage typically starts at 20 mg–40 mg once daily, depending on your health condition.
Adults can take propranolol with or without food. It would be best if you took propranolol the same way each time.
Propranolol has 533 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as other drugs.
Possible drug interactions with propranolol include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
Steroid medicine
Other heart or blood pressure drugs, including calcium channel blockers
Antidepressants
Medication used to treat infections or prostate disorder
Drinking alcohol while taking propranolol can have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure, which may lead to adverse effects. Talk to your healthcare professional before you drink alcohol.
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest other beta-blockers or antihypertensive medications in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Mysoline (primidone)
Depending on your pharmacy, propranolol oral tablets cost around $11 for twelve 20 mg without insurance. Propranolol is a generic brand, and brand names such as Inderal may cost more.
To refill your propranolol prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Avoid taking propranolol if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
History of slow heartbeat
Congestive heart failure
Asthma
Sick sinus syndrome
Liver or kidney disease
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Taking propranolol can make it more difficult to tell when you have low blood sugar.
Your healthcare provider will regularly monitor your heart function and blood pressure while taking propranolol.
Inderal may make you tired, so it's best to take your medication before bed.
If you miss a dose of Inderal, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, Inderal is safe to take long-term. If you're taking propranolol for a heart condition or to prevent migraines, the medication works best when you take it long-term.
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How pricing works
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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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$16.99/month
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Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Inderal (propranolol hydrochloride) tablet. Accessed on September 30, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/016418s080,016762s017,017683s008lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Propranolol (Oral Route). Accessed on September 30, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/propranolol-oral-route/description/drg-20071164
MedlinePlus. Propranolol (Cardiovascular). Accessed on September 30, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682607.html
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.