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Pronunciation | /proʊˈprænəˌlɑːl/ |
Trade names | Inderal, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, rectal, intravenous |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 26% |
Protein binding | 90% |
Metabolism | Liver (extensive) CYP1A2, CYP2D6; minor: CYP2C19, CYP3A4 |
Metabolites | N-desisopropylpropranolol, 4'-hydroxypropanolol |
Elimination half-life | 4–5 hours |
Excretion | Kidney (<1%) |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.007.618 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C16H21NO2 |
Molar mass | 259.349 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Chirality | Racemic mixture |
Melting point | 96 °C (205 °F) |
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Propranolol is a medication of the beta blocker class.[2] It is used to treat high blood pressure, a number of types of irregular heart rate, thyrotoxicosis, capillary hemangiomas, performance anxiety, and essential tremors,[2][3][4] as well to prevent migraine headaches, and to prevent further heart problems in those with angina or previous heart attacks.[2] It can be taken orally (by mouth) or by intravenous injection (injection into a vein).[2] The formulation that is taken orally (by mouth) comes in short-acting and long-acting versions.[2] Propranolol appears in the blood after 30 minutes and has a maximum effect between 60 and 90 minutes when taken orally.[2][5]
Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation.[2] It may worsen the symptoms of asthma.[2] Propranolol may cause harmful effects for the baby if taken during pregnancy;[6] however, its use during breastfeeding is generally considered to be safe.[7] It is a non-selective beta blocker which works by blocking β-adrenergic receptors.[2]
Propranolol was patented in 1962 and approved for medical use in 1964.[8] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[9] Propranolol is available as a generic medication.[2] In 2022, it was the 77th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 8 million prescriptions.[10][11]