propranolol
Brand names: Inderal
Propranolol is a medicine that can help with high blood pressure, chest pain, and other conditions. It works by blocking the effects of certain natural chemicals in your body, like adrenaline, that affect the heart and blood vessels.
Drug Shortage Alert
propranolol is currently listed as in shortage by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. Status: Available.
View all drug shortages →Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.06/unit
Generic Available
Yes (13 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
Propranolol tablets can treat high blood pressure.
Common side effects
Tiredness, Dizziness, Nausea
Key warnings
Propranolol is contraindicated in people with cardiogenic shock, very slow heart rate, asthma, or those who are allergic to it.
How It Works
Propranolol is a beta-blocker. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on your heart and blood vessels. This helps to slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure.
How to Take It
Your doctor will tell you how much propranolol to take. The usual starting dose for high blood pressure is 40 mg twice a day. You may need to take it two, three, or four times daily depending on your condition. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not change your dose without talking to them.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Propranolol may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking propranolol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Storage
Store propranolol tablets at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 38,685 FDA adverse event reports.
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 68,257 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2002–2025.
Total Reports
68,257
Death-Related Reports
6,894
Hospitalization Reports
21,161
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OFF LABEL USE | 7,261 |
| 2 | DRUG INEFFECTIVE | 5,333 |
| 3 | NAUSEA | 4,279 |
| 4 | HEADACHE | 3,785 |
| 5 | FATIGUE | 3,752 |
| 6 | DIARRHOEA | 3,119 |
| 7 | DIZZINESS | 3,102 |
| 8 | PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION | 2,837 |
| 9 | VOMITING | 2,650 |
| 10 | DYSPNOEA | 2,561 |
| 11 | PRODUCT USE ISSUE | 2,488 |
| 12 | PAIN | 2,324 |
| 13 | TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS | 2,275 |
| 14 | ANXIETY | 2,188 |
| 15 | INSOMNIA | 2,172 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Propranolol is contraindicated in people with cardiogenic shock, very slow heart rate, asthma, or those who are allergic to it.
Known Drug Interactions
The antihypertensive effects of clonidine may be antagonized by beta-blockers. Propranolol should be administered cautiously to patients withdrawing from clonidine.
Mechanism: Propranolol can work against clonidine and stop it from lowering your blood pressure. This can cause blood pressure to rise, especially if you stop taking clonidine.
What to do: Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure closely. Do not stop taking clonidine without talking to your doctor first.
Co-administration of propranolol and diltiazem in patients with cardiac disease has been associated with bradycardia, hypotension, high-degree heart block, and heart failure.
Mechanism: Both drugs slow down the heart and lower blood pressure. Taking them together can cause the heart to beat too slowly or lead to heart failure.
What to do: Your doctor will need to check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or short of breath.
Warfarin Propranolol when administered with warfarin increases the concentration of warfarin.
Mechanism: Propranolol increases the amount of warfarin in your blood. This makes the blood thinner and increases your risk of bleeding.
What to do: Your doctor may need to change your warfarin dose. You will need more frequent blood tests to check your clotting levels.
There have been reports of significant bradycardia, heart failure, and cardiovascular collapse with concurrent use of verapamil and beta-blockers.
Mechanism: These drugs both slow the heart and relax blood vessels. Using them together can cause a dangerously slow heart rate or heart failure.
What to do: Your doctor must monitor you very closely if you take both. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel very tired or dizzy.
Postural hypotension has been reported in patients taking both beta-blockers and terazosin or doxazosin.
Mechanism: Both drugs lower blood pressure, which can cause a sudden drop in pressure when you stand up. This can make you feel dizzy or faint.
What to do: Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid falling. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication doses.
Common Questions
Can I stop taking propranolol suddenly?
Can I drink alcohol while taking propranolol?
Does propranolol interact with other medications?
Can propranolol cause weight gain?
Can propranolol cause depression?
How long does it take for propranolol to start working?
What should I do if I experience side effects?
Can I take propranolol if I have asthma?
Will propranolol cure my condition?
Can I drive while taking propranolol?
What are the common side effects of propranolol?
Does propranolol interact with other medications?
What drug class is propranolol?
Is propranolol safe during pregnancy?
Is propranolol currently in shortage?
Related Medications in Non-Selective Beta-Blocker
Other drugs grouped near propranolol — same-class peers and common alternatives.
acebutolol
Sectral
Acebutolol is a medicine that helps lower blood pressure and control irregular heartbeats.
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aliskiren
Tekturna
Tekturna is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure.
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amiloride
Midamor
Amiloride is a water pill that helps your body hold onto potassium.
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amlodipine
Norvasc
Amlodipine (Norvasc) is a drug that lowers blood pressure and treats chest pain.
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amlodipine/benazepril
Lotrel
Lotrel is a combination medicine that contains amlodipine and benazepril.
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Medication Guides
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Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
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Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
Related Health & Safety Data
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What the FDA Data Shows for propranolol
The FDA label for propranolol (sold under brand names such as Inderal) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Non-Selective Beta-Blocker class. Propranolol tablets can treat high blood pressure. Official labeling lists 6 commonly reported side effects, including Tiredness, Dizziness, Nausea.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 38,685 voluntary reports. The database also lists 44 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated minor severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.06.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Shortage status: FDA Drug Shortages Database.
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: August 9, 2024
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages