PROPRANOLOL

Propranolol Galenika 40 mg contains propranolol hydrochloride, a non-selective beta blocker that acts on the heart, blood vessels and other organs containing beta-adrenergic receptors.

It is used for several cardiovascular and other conditions. The diagnosis, individual dose, dosing frequency and treatment duration must be determined by a doctor. It should not be taken independently whenever palpitations, nervousness, headache or a high blood-pressure reading occurs.

Propranolol Galenika – what is it used for and how should it be taken?

Propranolol may be prescribed for:

• high blood pressure;
• angina pectoris;
• long-term protection after myocardial infarction;
• certain cardiac arrhythmias;
• migraine prevention;
• essential tremor;
• situational anxiety and certain physical symptoms of anxiety;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy;
• prevention of bleeding associated with portal hypertension and oesophageal varices;
• phaeochromocytoma when combined with appropriate alpha blockade.

For migraine, propranolol is used for prevention rather than immediate relief of an established attack. For anxiety, it mainly affects certain physical symptoms and does not replace psychiatric or psychological assessment.

Dosage

The dose varies significantly according to the indication. The official product information gives total daily adult ranges of 160–320 mg for hypertension, 120–240 mg for angina, 30–160 mg for arrhythmias, 80–160 mg for migraine prevention and essential tremor, and 40–120 mg for anxiety.

These ranges are not instructions for self-dosing. The doctor determines the starting dose, dosing schedule and any gradual adjustment.

• Take the tablet with sufficient water.
• The tablet can be divided into halves or quarters when prescribed.
• Take each dose according to the exact daily schedule.
• Do not take an additional tablet for palpitations, nervousness or headache without medical instructions.
• Do not stop treatment suddenly.

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless the next dose is near. Do not take a double dose.

Do not take propranolol in cases including:

• allergy to propranolol or another ingredient;
• asthma or previous bronchospasm;
• marked bradycardia or certain heart-conduction disorders;
• very low blood pressure;
• cardiogenic shock;
• uncontrolled heart failure;
• Prinzmetal angina;
• severe peripheral arterial circulatory disease;
• untreated phaeochromocytoma;
• metabolic acidosis;
• prolonged fasting or a pronounced susceptibility to hypoglycaemia.

Special caution is required in diabetes, liver or kidney disease, portal hypertension, peripheral circulatory problems, controlled heart failure, thyrotoxicosis, severe allergies, older patients and before anaesthesia or surgery.

Propranolol may mask a rapid heartbeat associated with low blood glucose or thyrotoxicosis. Hypoglycaemia may also occur in people without diabetes, particularly during fasting or in children, older people, dialysis patients and people with chronic liver disease.

Important interactions

Tell the doctor about calcium-channel blockers, antiarrhythmics, digoxin, clonidine, insulin and diabetes medicines, NSAID painkillers, ergotamine, rizatriptan, theophylline, warfarin, cimetidine, rifampicin, psychiatric medicines and sympathomimetic medicines.

If propranolol and clonidine are used together, neither medicine should be stopped suddenly. The doctor determines the order and rate of withdrawal.

Avoid alcohol because it may alter the effect of propranolol and increase dizziness or hypotension.

During pregnancy, propranolol should be used only when considered necessary by the doctor. It is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Possible side effects

Common effects include cold hands and feet, slow heart rate, Raynaud phenomenon, disturbed sleep, nightmares, tiredness and weakness.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, mood changes, confusion, memory problems, hallucinations, visual disturbance, dry eyes, skin rash, worsening psoriasis and easy bruising may also occur.

Overdose

Propranolol overdose can be extremely dangerous and may cause severe bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, heart failure, bronchospasm, hypoglycaemia, seizures and loss of consciousness. Contact emergency medical services immediately.

Composition and storage

• Each tablet contains 40 mg propranolol hydrochloride.
• The tablets contain lactose monohydrate and Carmoisine lake E122.
• Keep in the original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children.

Related food supplements for general nutritional support:

• ANAFARM COENZYME Q10 30 MG – 30 CAPSULES
• DIETPHARM COENZYME Q10 – 30 CAPSULES
• DIETPHARM MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE – 80 CAPSULES
• MAGNESIUM 300 DIRECT – 20 SACHETS

Official sources:

• ALIMS – Patient Information Leaflet
• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics

Marketing authorisation date shown in the official documentation: 30 May 2023. Information reviewed on 2 August 2026.