Meta Information
ID:propranolol
Name:Propranolol
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- Inderal
- InnoPran XL
Active Compound
propranolol
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:rx_drug
- eu:rx_drug
Indication
Focus:
disease_treatment
Description:
Treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), atrial fibrillation, migraine prevention, essential tremor, and performance anxiety.
Typical Protocol
- For hypertension, dosing typically starts at 40 mg twice daily, adjusted based on response.
- For migraine prevention, the usual dose is 80-240 mg daily in divided doses.
- For performance anxiety, a single dose of 10-40 mg is taken 30-60 minutes before the event.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
5
High Cost:
30
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Generic prescription cost, which is typically covered by health insurance plans.
Summary
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that works by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors throughout the body. This action reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the heart's workload, making it effective for treating various cardiovascular conditions. It also blunts the physiological symptoms of the 'fight-or-flight' response, which is why it is used for performance anxiety.
Purpose
A beta-blocker drug used to treat cardiovascular conditions and anxiety.
Card Summary
A non-selective beta-blocker medication used to manage hypertension, angina, and the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Drug Class
beta_blockers
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
7.5
Justification:
Highly effective and a first-line therapy for managing hypertension, angina, and certain arrhythmias.
Evidence
Grade:
A
Score:
9.5
Justification:
Decades of extensive human RCTs and meta-analyses for its approved clinical indications.
Safety
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Well-established side effect profile requiring medical supervision; can cause significant fatigue and bradycardia.
Flags
- Should not be stopped abruptly due to risk of rebound hypertension or cardiac events.
- Contraindicated in patients with asthma, severe bradycardia, or certain types of heart block.
- May mask symptoms of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes.
- Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, cold extremities, and sleep disturbances.
- Can potentially worsen symptoms of depression in susceptible individuals.
Verdict
Highly effective, well-studied prescription drug for specific cardiovascular and anxiety conditions.
Qualifier
scope: systemic, focused on disease treatment
Created
2026-05-02T01:53:47.609830Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)
Non Healthspan
True