This article describes possible interactions with propranolol oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Propranolol comes as tablets that you’ll swallow. It’s also available as an oral liquid solution, an oral extended-release capsule, and a liquid solution that’s injected into a vein. With extended-release, the drug is released slowly over time in your body.
Other drugs and propranolol
The drugs in the list below may interact with propranolol oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with propranolol.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with propranolol oral tablet include:
- certain antidepressants:
- certain heart rhythm drugs:
- drug examples: amiodarone (Pacerone), quinidine
- what might happen: can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of propranolol
- certain migraine drugs:
- drug examples: rizatriptan (Maxalt, Rizafilm), zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- what might happen: can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of propranolol
- theophylline (Theo-24, Theochron):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of theophylline
- thioridazine:
- what might happen: can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of thioridazine
- ceritinib (Zykadia):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of propranolol and ceritinib
- ritonavir (Norvir):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of propranolol
- isoniazid:
- what might happen: can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of propranolol
- tranylcypromine (Parnate):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of propranolol and tranylcypromine
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When to avoid propranolol
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with propranolol oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe propranolol in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for propranolol oral tablet:
- Sinus bradycardia and moderate or severe heart block. If you have sinus bradycardia and moderate or severe heart block, taking propranolol oral tablet may worsen symptoms of your condition. Sinus bradycardia is a type of slow heart rate. With heart block, the electrical signals that control your heart are disrupted.
- Asthma. If you have asthma, taking propranolol oral tablet may cause symptoms of your condition to worsen.
- Past allergic reaction to propranolol. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to propranolol oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking propranolol, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take propranolol.
Alcohol and propranolol
Propranolol interactions with alcohol are discussed below.
Propranolol oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol. Consuming alcohol while taking propranolol can cause the level of propranolol in your system to increase. This can increase the effect of and risk of side effects of propranolol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking propranolol oral tablet.
Other interactions and propranolol
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether propranolol oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with propranolol.
Propranolol and supplements
Before taking propranolol oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
Propranolol oral tablet may interact with co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Propranolol may also interact with fish oil supplements. These supplements are used to support heart health. Taking propranolol and using CoQ10 or fish oil may increase the risk of low blood pressure as a side effect of propranolol.
Propranolol oral tablet may interact with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) supplements. These supplements may be used for exercise performance. Taking propranolol and using a sodium bicarbonate supplement may lower how effective propranolol is.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Propranolol interactions with vitamins
Propranolol oral tablet may interact with vitamin C. This vitamin is often used to support the immune system.
Taking propranolol and a large dose of vitamin C may lead to lower levels of propranolol in your system. This can make the drug less effective.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any vitamins while taking propranolol oral tablet.
Propranolol interactions with herbs
Propranolol oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any herbs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with herbs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking propranolol oral tablet.
Propranolol and food
Propranolol oral tablet isn’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking propranolol oral tablet.
Propranolol and vaccines
Propranolol oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking propranolol oral tablet.
Propranolol and lab tests
Propranolol oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking propranolol oral tablet.
Propranolol and cannabis or CBD
Reports have shown cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products may interact with propranolol. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an example of a cannabis product.
Taking propranolol and using cannabis may make propranolol less effective. This is especially true if you regularly inhale cannabis.
Before you take propranolol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and propranolol
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with propranolol oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking propranolol, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether propranolol is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with propranolol oral tablet:
Preventing propranolol interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with propranolol oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while using propranolol oral tablet.
Using propranolol exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about propranolol and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does propranolol have similar interactions as other beta-blocker drugs?
- Should I let you know if I make lifestyle changes, such as to my diet or exercise routine?
- Since propranolol slows my heart rate, are there any types of exercise I should avoid while taking it?
- Is it safe to consume caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, while taking propranolol?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
