Propranolol oral tablet side effects

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved propranolol oral tablet for the following uses in adults:

• to treat high blood pressure
• to treat stable angina
• to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• to lower the risk of death after a heart attack
• to help prevent migraine headaches
• to treat essential tremor
• to treat thickening of the heart muscle
• to treat symptoms of a type of tumor in the adrenal glands

This article describes possible side effects of propranolol oral tablet. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for propranolol oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about propranolol oral tablet, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.

Propranolol oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Propranolol also comes in an extended-release oral capsule, oral liquid solution, and injectable. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

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More common side effects of propranolol

Propranolol oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects.

Some side effects reported with propranolol oral tablet include:

• heart failure
• lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting
• slowed heart rate*
• bronchospasm*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of propranolol in detail” section below.

Mild side effects of propranolol

Propranolol may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects reported with propranolol oral tablet include:

• nausea and vomiting
• upset stomach
• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• constipation
• dry eyes
• itchiness
• hair loss
• tingling of the hands
• fatigue (low energy)
• tiredness
• vivid dreams
• erectile dysfunction (inability to get or maintain an erection)
• Peyronie’s disease (curved and painful erection)
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of propranolol in detail” section below.

Propranolol oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of propranolol

Propranolol may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from propranolol oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with propranolol.

Serious side effects reported with propranolol oral tablet include:

• heart failure
• swelling in your legs or ankles
• sudden changes in weight
• heart block
• low blood pressure
• lightheadedness
• low platelet count
• low white blood cell count
• red or purple skin discoloration
• systemic lupus erythematosus (a type of autoimmune disease)
• decreased blood flow in the intestines
• Raynaud’s syndrome
• depression
• blood sugar changes
• changes in thyroid function
• hallucinations
• slowed heart rate*
• bronchospasm*
• serious skin reactions*
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of propranolol in detail” section below.

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Side effects of propranolol in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of propranolol oral tablet.

Slowed heart rate

Bradycardia (slowed heart rate) has been reported in people taking propranolol oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.

With slowed heart rate, your heart beats fewer times than usual. Symptoms may include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• confusion
• dizziness or fainting
• feeling tired after exercise

Certain factors can increase the risk of slowed heart rate with propranolol oral tablet. These include having certain health conditions or taking certain medications.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of slowed heart rate, tell your doctor. They may recommend a different dosage of propranolol oral tablet for you. However, do not change your dosage without first talking with your doctor.

Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm has been reported in people taking propranolol oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.

With bronchospasm, you experience tightened muscles in your airways. Symptoms may include:

• coughing
• chest tightness
• wheezing
• tiredness

Certain factors can increase the risk of bronchospasm with propranolol oral tablet. These include smoking or having certain lung problems, such as asthma, allergies, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about bronchospasm, tell your doctor. They may recommend having a breathing test, chest X-ray, or other tests to check your lungs. During this time, your doctor may reduce your dose of propranolol to see if the bronchospasm stops. Or they may gradually switch you to a different medication for your condition.

Serious skin reactions

Serious skin reactions have been reported in people taking propranolol oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.

With serious skin reactions, you experience a painful rash. Symptoms may include:

• skin that is broken, raw, or shedding
• swelling of your face or lips
• blisters on the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals
• fever

Certain factors can increase the risk of serious skin reactions with propranolol oral tablet. These include having a family history of serious skin reactions or having certain health conditions.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of serious skin reactions, seek emergency medical attention right away. You can call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room. Your doctor will likely stop treatment with propranolol oral tablet if this side effect occurs. And they may recommend another medication for your condition.

Allergic reaction

For some people, propranolol oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know if you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to propranolol oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Common questions about side effects of propranolol

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of propranolol oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does propranolol cause long-term side effects?

Yes, in some cases propranolol oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. Examples of long-term side effects reported with propranolol oral tablet include:

• heart failure
• heart block
• decreased blood flow to the intestines
• Raynaud’s syndrome

These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with propranolol.

Will propranolol 10 mg cause fewer side effects than propranolol 40 mg?

It’s possible for the 10-milligram (mg) strength of propranolol to cause fewer side effects than higher strengths of the drug. People who take a higher dosage of propranolol oral tablet may have certain side effects more often. These include vivid dreams and fatigue (low energy). 

If you have concerns about side effects and your propranolol dosage, talk with your doctor.

Do side effects of propranolol go away?

Some of propranolol’s side effects are mild and may go away over time as your body adjusts to the medication. These may include dizziness, tiredness, and low blood pressure. Other side effects may last longer. (For details about long-term side effects, see “Does propranolol cause long-term side effects?” above.)

If you have side effects with propranolol that bother you, talk with your doctor.

Is weight gain a side effect of propranolol?

Yes, weight gain may be a side effect of propranolol. This is because propranolol can cause heart failure. With heart failure, your heart doesn’t pump as well as it should. This can cause fluid to build up in your legs and ankles, which can cause you to gain weight.

If you gain weight suddenly without a reason while taking propranolol, talk with your doctor.

Coupon for propranolol

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Warnings for propranolol

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking propranolol oral tablet.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take propranolol oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether propranolol oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking propranolol oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include having:

• coronary artery disease
• heart failure
• asthma or other lung problems
• certain heart rhythm problems
• a type of tumor in the adrenal glands
• diabetes
• past allergic reaction to propranolol

Propranolol and pregnancy

Propranolol oral tablet may not be safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with propranolol.

Propranolol and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether propranolol oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Propranolol and alcohol

Propranolol oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.

Drinking alcohol with propranolol may increase the amount of propranolol in your body. This can increase your risk of side effects from the medication.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with propranolol oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of propranolol oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my risk of slowed heart rate depend on the dosage I take?
• Do I have a higher risk of side effects than others?
• Is my risk of nausea and vomiting higher when I first start treatment?

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.