Propranolol (10mg & 40mg) Tablets

Propranolol tablets are widely prescribed in the UK to treat a number of heart problems. Most commonly, propranolol can be used to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, anxiety and to prevent a second heart attack in people who have previously had one.

Propranolol tablets are available in a number of different doses. Propranolol 40mg is the strongest dose of propranolol available and is usually the starting dose when treating conditions related to anxiety. The other available dose is propranolol 10mg tablets.

If you are new to beta blockers and would like to understand more about how they work and what conditions they treat, you can take a look at our guide to beta blockers.

What are Propranolol 10mg & 40mg tablets used to treat?

Propranolol is used to treat:

• Anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Angina
• Arrythmias
• Migraines

Propranolol tablets are most commonly used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety. Although propranolol will not cure the underlying triggers of your anxiety, it can help to ease some of the physical symptoms that appear as a result of anxiety such as an increased heart rate, trembling and a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Propranolol is also indicated in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, heart attacks, migraines and glaucoma, however it is most effective when treating anxiety.

How does Propranolol work?

Propranolol is classed as a beta blocker and works by reducing the workload on the heart. It also controls the rate at which the heart beats. As a result of taking propranolol tablets, the stress on the heart is reduced and the rate at which the heart beats is also slowed down. This makes it easier for the blood to pump around your body.

For situational anxiety, Propranolol blocks the body’s natural adrenaline/stress messages that are sent to the heart in times of distress. When those adrenaline and stress messages are received by the heart, it beats faster and harder.

By stopping those messages being received by the heart, propranolol can ensure that the heart is relaxed and beating at a normal rate. An increased heart rate is one of the first signs of an anxiety attack, propranolol helps to reduce this physical symptom.

Who can take Propranolol tablets?

Propranolol may not be suitable treatment for everyone, depending on your condition. Additionally, it is possible that certain propranolol doses may not be suitable to treat your condition.

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, please make sure you tell your doctor if any of the below apply to you:

• You have low blood pressure or a slow heart rate
• You have lung disease
• You have asthma
• You have heart failure that is worsening with time
• You have too much acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis)
• You have had an allergic reaction to Propranolol or any other medicine in the past
• You have severe blood circulation problems in your limbs; physical symptoms may include tingling in your fingers and toes, or your fingers and toes turn blue or pale

This is not an exhaustive list, you can find more information on who can take propranolol in our guide to propranolol.

Can you take Propranolol 10mg tablets for anxiety?

Propranolol is highly effective at treating situational anxiety. The typical starting dose for treating anxiety is propranolol 10mg, however this depends on the severity of your condition and what previous treatments have been used.

Can you buy Propranolol tablets online in the UK?

You can buy propranolol 40mg and 10mg tablets online from most online pharmacies. If you are looking to buy propranolol online, you will be required to complete an online consultation which will be reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist to ensure you are receiving the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Can you buy Propranolol 40mg and 10mg tablets over the counter in the UK?

Propranolol 40mg and 10mg tablets are prescription only medicines, meaning that they need to be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. Propranolol is not available to buy over the counter, it is only available as a prescription treatment.

Propranolol 10mg and 40mg tablets

The dose of propranolol you are prescribed will depend heavily on your condition.

Below are the typical starting doses for some common conditions thta propranolol treats.

All our doctors and pharmacists follow the NICE guidelines when prescribing Propranolol.

How to take propranolol tablets

This medication can be taken with or without food as it does not upset your stomach. However, you should try to take it at the same time every day.

The tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, certain brands of Propranolol have a score line which lets you break them in half. Read the information leaflet that will come with your medicine to make sure you can do this with your tablets.

Propranolol Side Effects

Common side effects

The below side effects are common and will affect around 1 in every 100 people who use this medicine. They will usually pass quickly, but you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of them last for longer than a few days or concern you:

• You have nightmares or difficulty sleeping
• You feel tired, dizzy or light-headed (these could be signs of a slow heart rate)
• You feel sick
• You have cold fingers or toes (this could be a sign that the blood supply to your hands and feet has been affected)

For more detailed information on Propranolol side effects, please read our detailed medical guide.

The above list is not exhaustive. Always refer to the patient information leaflet, which will come with your medication, before you start to take it.

Propranolol Warnings and drug interactions

Propranolol can interact with other medicines, which may increase your risk of side effects, or may cause one or both medicines to be less effective.

Before taking a new medication, it is very important that you tell your doctor if you are currently taking any other medicines. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medication, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

For a full comprehensive list on drugs that interact with propranolol we recommend reading Propranolol Drug Interactions.

Can I take propranolol during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Propranolol is not believed to be dangerous to take when you are pregnant, although there is not enough research out there to prove this.

It is also normally safe to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Small amounts of Propranolol will get into your breast milk, but not enough to affect your baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding before you start to use this medicine, particularly if your baby has any health problems or was born premature.

Read more information on Propranolol, pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

Propranolol Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: propranolol hydrochloride

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics

How much does it cost to buy Propranolol 10mg and 40mg tablets online in the UK?