Propranolol is a drug used to treat various conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as arrhythmias, hypertension, hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, or portal hypertension.
Propranolol is a class of drugs beta blockers It works by blocking beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels. That way, the heart rate can be more regular, blood vessels that were previously narrowed can widen, and blood flow can be smoother.
In addition to treating heart and blood vessel disorders, propranolol can also be used to relieve anxiety disorders, tremors, prevent migraines and angina, and treat infantile hemangiomas.
Propranolol trademark: Farmadral, Liblok, Propranolol
What is Propranolol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Beta blockers |
| Benefit | Treating various disorders related to the heart and blood vessels |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Propranolol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Propranolol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Propranolol
Propranolol should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking propranolol:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Propranolol should not be used in patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, chest pain, or a thyroid disorder.
- Tell your doctor that you are being treated with propranolol before undergoing certain medical procedures or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not smoke while on treatment with propranolol, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with propranolol, as they can increase the levels of propranolol in the body.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking propranolol.
Dosis and Instructions for Use of Propranolol
The dose of propranolol given by the doctor depends on the health condition and age of the patient. Here is the explanation:
Condition: Pheochromocytoma
- Mature: 60 mg, once daily for 3 days before surgery. If the tumor cannot be removed, the dose is 30 mg per day.
- Children: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg body weight, 3-4 times a day.
Condition: Hypertension
- Mature: The initial dose is 40–80 mg, 2 times a day. The maintenance dose is 160–320 mg per day.
Condition: Heart attack
- Mature: The initial dose is 40 mg, 4 times daily for 2–3 days, starting 5–21 days after a heart attack. The maintenance dose is 80 mg, 2 times a day.
Condition: Portal hypertension
- Mature: 40 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 80 mg, depending on the patient's heart rate response.
Condition: Migraine
- Mature: The initial dose is 40 mg, 2-3 times a day. The dose may be increased to 80–160 mg per day.
- child age ≤12 year: 10–20 mg, 2–3 times daily.
- Children >12 years old: 40 mg, 2-3 times a day.
Condition: Arrhythmia
- Mature: 10–40 mg, 3-4 times daily.
- Children: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg body weight, 3-4 times a day.
Condition: Tremor
- Mature: The initial dose is 40 mg, 2-3 times a day. The maintenance dose is 80–160 mg per day.
Condition: Anxiety disorders
- Mature: 40 mg, per day. The dose can be increased to 40 mg, 2-3 times a day.
Condition: Angina pectoris
- Mature: The initial dose is 40 mg, 2-3 times a day. The maintenance dose is 120–240 mg per day.
Condition: Cardiomyopathy
- Mature: 10–40 mg, 3-4 times daily.
Condition: Hyperthyroidism
- Mature: 10–40 mg, 3-4 times daily. The dose may be increased to 240 mg daily.
- Children: 0.25–0.5 mg/kg body weight, 3-4 times a day.
How to Take Propranolol Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before starting to take propranolol. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Propranolol can be taken before or after meals. Use plain water to swallow the tablet. Do not chew, split, or crush the tablet as this may increase the risk of side effects.
If you forget to take propranolol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose of propranolol to make up for a missed dose.
Check with your doctor regularly while using propranolol so that the development of the condition can be controlled.
Store propranolol at room temperature and store in a closed container. Protect from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Propranolol Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if propranolol is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Increased risk of worsening arrhythmias if taken with amiodarone or calcium antagonists
- Increased risk of depression if taken continuously with reserpine obat
- Decreased antihypertensive effect when taken with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or indomethacin
- Increased blood levels of propranolol and risk of bleeding if taken with warfarin
- Increased risk of hypotension when used with anesthetics
- Increased plasma concentration of propranolol when taken with lidocaine
Propranolol Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can arise from the use of propranolol, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Too tired
- Sleep disorders, such as insomnia
- Impotence
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Dizzy, like I want to faint
- Visual disturbance
- Cold hands and feet
- Stomach pain that gets worse
- Hard to breathe
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of balance
- Depression and hallucinations