Propranolol 20mg Tablet

Propranolol 20mg – Non-Selective Beta-Adrenergic Blocker

Propranolol 20mg contains Propranolol Hydrochloride, a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker indicated for hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, migraine prevention, performance anxiety/essential tremor, thyrotoxicosis, portal hypertension. JNC8-listed antihypertensive; NICE first-line for performance anxiety; evidence for migraine prevention; essential tremor treatment.

Product Information

How It Works

Non-selectively blocks beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors — reducing heart rate, cardiac output, renin release (blood pressure), and peripheral adrenergic effects (tremor, anxiety) — making Propranolol Hydrochloride effective against hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, migraine prevention, performance anxiety/essential tremor, thyrotoxicosis, portal hypertension.

People Also Ask

Can propranolol 20mg be used for anxiety?

Yes — propranolol is widely used for situational/performance anxiety (stage fright, public speaking, exam nerves, social anxiety). It blocks the peripheral adrenergic symptoms of anxiety — racing heart, tremor, sweating, voice quivering — without sedation or cognitive impairment. It does not treat psychological anxiety or panic disorder; for those, SSRI antidepressants or therapy are appropriate. Take 30–60 minutes before the anxiety-provoking event.

What is the difference between propranolol and metoprolol?

Propranolol is non-selective (blocks beta-1 and beta-2 receptors); metoprolol is cardioselective (primarily beta-1). This matters: propranolol can cause bronchospasm in asthma/COPD patients by blocking bronchial beta-2 receptors — making it contraindicated in these patients. Metoprolol is safer for patients with respiratory conditions. For anxiety and migraine prevention, propranolol is more studied; for heart failure and post-MI, metoprolol is preferred.

Can propranolol be taken with alcohol?

Alcohol and propranolol both lower blood pressure and heart rate; combined use causes additive hypotension and bradycardia — dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls risk. More importantly, propranolol can mask hypoglycaemia symptoms in diabetics who drink alcohol. Moderate alcohol is not absolutely contraindicated but should be minimised, particularly in older patients on propranolol for hypertension.

Should propranolol be stopped before surgery?

Propranolol should generally be CONTINUED through surgery — not stopped. ACC/AHA perioperative guidelines recommend continuing beta-blockers perioperatively in patients already established on them, as abrupt withdrawal causes rebound tachycardia and hypertension that increases cardiac risk. Inform your anaesthetist and surgeon that you are taking propranolol before any procedure.

Does propranolol cause weight gain?

Beta-blockers including propranolol are associated with modest weight gain (1–3kg on average), through mechanisms including reduced metabolic rate and fatigue reducing exercise capacity. This is more pronounced with older beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol) than newer ones (bisoprolol, carvedilol). Weight gain is not universal and should not lead to discontinuation for hypertension without discussion with the prescriber.

Storage

Store at 15–30°C away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.