


Propranolol is occasionally used to treat performance anxiety, although evidence to support its use in any anxiety disorders is poor. Propranolol is not recommended for the treatment of high blood pressure by the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) because a higher rate of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke compared to an angiotensin receptor blocker was noted in one study. While once a first-line treatment for hypertension, the role for beta blockers was downgraded in June 2006 in the United Kingdom to fourth-line, as they do not perform as well as other drugs, particularly in the elderly, and evidence is increasing that the most frequently used beta blockers at usual doses carry an unacceptable risk of provoking type 2 diabetes. Prevention of esophageal variceal bleeding and ascites.Portal hypertension, to lower portal vein pressure.Tachycardia (and other sympathetic nervous system symptoms, such as muscle tremor) associated with various conditions, including anxiety, panic, hyperthyroidism, and lithium therapy.Angina pectoris (with the exception of variant angina).Propranolol is used for treating various conditions, including: In 2019, it was the 82nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 9 million prescriptions. Propranolol is available as a generic medication. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Propranolol was patented in 1962 and approved for medical use in 1964. It is a non-selective beta blocker which works by blocking β-adrenergic receptors. Its use during breastfeeding is probably safe, but the baby should be monitored for side effects. Propranolol may cause harmful effects in the baby if taken during pregnancy. Caution is recommended in those with liver or kidney problems. Quickly stopping the medication in those with coronary artery disease may worsen symptoms. It should not be used in those with an already slow heart rate and most of those with heart failure. Ĭommon side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Propranolol appears in the blood after 30 minutes and has a maximum effect between 60 and 90 minutes when taken by mouth. The formulation that is taken by mouth comes in short-acting and long-acting versions. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a vein. It is used to treat high blood pressure, a number of types of irregular heart rate, thyrotoxicosis, capillary hemangiomas, performance anxiety, and essential tremors, as well to prevent migraine headaches, and to prevent further heart problems in those with angina or previous heart attacks. Propranolol, sold under the brand name Inderal among others, is a medication of the beta blocker class.
