Propranolol

DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - Hypertension The usual initial dosage is 40 mg propranolol hydrochloride twice
      daily, whether used alone or added to a diuretic.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section 'dosage
      and administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - The usual maintenance dosage is 120 mg to 240 mg per day.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section 'dosage
      and administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - In some instances a dosage of 640 mg a day may be required.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section 'dosage
      and administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - Safety and effectiveness of propranolol in pediatric patients have not been
      established. Bronchospasm and congestive heart failure have been reported
      coincident with the administration of propranolol therapy in pediatric patients.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section
      'pediatric use', retrieved 2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - Renal Insufficiency In a study conducted in 5 patients with chronic renal failure,
      6 patients on regular dialysis, and 5 healthy subjects, who received a single oral
      dose of 40 mg of propranolol, the peak plasma concentrations (C max ) of
      propranolol in the chronic renal failure group were 2 to 3-fold higher (161±41
      ng/mL) than those observed in the dialysis patients (47±9 ng/mL) and in the
      healthy subjects (26±1 ng/mL).
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section 'use in
      specific populations', retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - Hepatic Insufficiency Propranolol is extensively metabolized by the liver.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section 'use in
      specific populations', retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY
    - In a series of reproductive and developmental toxicology studies, propranolol
      hydrochloride was given to rats by gavage or in the diet throughout pregnancy and
      lactation.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section
      'pregnancy', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - At doses of 150 mg/kg/day, but not at doses of 80 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the
      MRHD on a body surface area basis), treatment was associated with embryotoxicity
      (reduced litter size and increased resorption rates) as well as neonatal toxicity
      (deaths).
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section
      'pregnancy', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Propranolol hydrochloride also was administered (in the feed) to rabbits
      (throughout pregnancy and lactation) at doses as high as 150 mg/kg/day (about 5
      times the maximum recommended human oral daily dose).
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section
      'pregnancy', retrieved 2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING   [ CAUTION ]
    The label allows it only when the benefit is judged to outweigh the risk. Read the
      quote below.
    - Caution should be exercised when propranolol is administered to a nursing woman.
      Source: US FDA label for propranolol (Propranolol Hydrochloride), section 'nursing
      mothers', retrieved 2026-08-29