Propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride) - Summary

PROPRANOLOL SUMMARY

PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP
10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg

Propranolol hydrochloride is a synthetic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent chemically described as (+)-1-(isopropylamino)-3-(1-naphthyloxy)-2-propanol hydrochloride.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Intravenous administration is usually reserved for life-threatening arrhythmias or those occurring under anesthesia.

1. Supraventricular arrhythmias
   Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the short-term treatment of supraventricular tachycardia, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and thyrotoxicosis, to decrease ventricular rate. Use in patients with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation should be reserved for arrythmias unresponsive to standard therapy or when more prolonged control is required. Reversion to normal sinus rhythm has occasionally been observed, predominantly in patients with sinus or atrial tachycardia.
2. Ventricular tachycardias
   With the exception of those induced by catecholamines or digitalis, propranolol is not the drug of first choice. In critical situations when cardioversion techniques or other drugs are not indicated or are not effective, propranolol may be considered. If, after consideration of the risks involved, propranolol is used, it should be given intravenously in low dosage and very slowly, as the failing heart requires some sympathetic drive for maintenance of myocardial tone. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Some patients may respond with complete reversion to normal sinus rhythm, but reduction in ventricular rate is more likely. Ventricular arrhythmias do not respond to propranolol as predictably as do the supraventricular arrhythmias.
   Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the treatment of persistent premature ventricular extrasystoles that impair the well-being of the patient and do not respond to conventional measures.
3. Tachyarrhythmias of digitalis intoxication
   Intravenous propranolol is indicated to control ventricular rate in life-threatening digitalis-induced arrhythmias. Severe bradycardia may occur. (See OVERDOSAGE).
4. Resistant tachyarrhythmias due to excessive catecholamine action during anesthesia
   Intravenous propranolol is indicated to abolish tachyarrhythmias due to excessive catecholamine action during anesthesia when other measures fail. These arrhythmias may arise because of release of endogenous catecholamines or administration of catecholamines. All general inhalation anesthetics produce some degree of myocardial depression. Therefore, when propranolol is used to treat arrhythmias during anesthesia, it should be used with extreme caution, usually with constant monitoring of the ECG and central venous pressure. (See WARNINGS).

PROPRANOLOL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Propranolol

A comparison between the effect of oxytocin only and oxytocin plus propranolol on the labor (a double blind randomized trial). [2008.06]

Irbesartan plus low-dose propranolol versus low-dose propranolol alone in cirrhosis: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. [2008.05]

Effect of post-retrieval propranolol on psychophysiologic responding during subsequent script-driven traumatic imagery in post-traumatic stress disorder. [2008.05]

Hemodynamic effects of propranolol with spironolactone in patients with variceal bleeds: A randomized controlled trial. [2008.03.28]

Octreotide enhances portal pressure reduction induced by propranolol in cirrhosis: a randomized, controlled trial. [2007.10]

more >>

Clinical Trials Related to Propranolol

Effect of Prophylaxy of Amiodarone and Propranolol and Amiodarone With Propranolol in Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft [Completed]

Bioavailability Study of Propranolol Under Fasting Conditions [Completed]

Bioavailability Study of Propranolol Under Fed Conditions [Completed]

Propranolol Administration and Prevention of Child PTSD in Child Trauma Victims [Completed]

Hemodynamic Effects of Chronic Administration of Spironolactone and/or Propranolol in Alcoholic Cirrhotic Patients [Terminated]

more >>

PROPRANOLOL PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Propranolol review by 34 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Mild Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Performance anxiety / Social Anxiety
Dosage & duration:		40 mg taken 2 times a day for the period of Several years
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		None
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Stopped the body's reaction to anxiety attacks
Side effects:		Sometimes a mild dizzyness. Side effects was not bad for me
Comments:		With propranolol the body stops reacting to the surge of adrenalin that attacks you when you get very anxious. The hands doenst shake, the legs doesnt shake, the heart doesn't pound and so on. Thus for me, it proved effective in breaking the vicious cycle where thougts start a bodily panic reaction which again fuels the thougts and so on.

Propranolol review by 26 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		panic attacks
Dosage & duration:		20mg taken once a month for the period of once a month
Other conditions:		nervousness, panic attacks
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		I felt less anxious when doing presentations. I took it before I was ready to perform to prevent a panic attack. I felt like it calmed me down
Side effects:		I didn't feel like I had any. I felt the same before and after taking the drug.
Comments:		I was prescribed the medicine to decrease "panic attack" symptoms. I am a very nervous person.

Propranolol review by 26 year old female patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		panic attacks
Dosage & duration:		20mg taken once a month for the period of once a month
Other conditions:		nervousness, panic attacks
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		I felt less anxious when doing presentations. I took it before I was ready to perform to prevent a panic attack. I felt like it calmed me down
Side effects:		I didn't feel like I had any. I felt the same before and after taking the drug.
Comments:		I was prescribed the medicine to decrease "panic attack" symptoms. I am a very nervous person.