Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Beta-Blocker — Infantile Haemangioma (Airway)

Propranolol

Brand names: Hemangiol, Inderal

Used in: Liver Disease & Cirrhosis Headache & Migraine

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker used for migraine prophylaxis, anxiety with prominent somatic symptoms, essential tremor and the symptomatic control of thyrotoxicosis.

Dosing — not shown for this use

The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.

The licensed dosing — for the medicine's licensed uses, which may differ from this page's — is on Propranolol hydrochloride.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It non-selectively blocks beta-1 and beta-2 adrenoceptors, reducing sympathetic drive to the heart and peripheral tissues.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in asthma because of the risk of severe bronchospasm; use with caution in other obstructive airways disease.
  • Use with caution in heart failure, and be aware it can mask the warning signs of hypoglycaemia.
  • Do not stop abruptly, particularly in ischaemic heart disease, as rebound worsening can occur; withdraw gradually.

Monitoring

Monitor heart rate and blood pressure, and review for symptoms of bradycardia or heart failure. In diabetes, be alert to masked hypoglycaemia symptoms.

Counselling the patient

  • Do not stop taking it suddenly; your dose should be reduced gradually.
  • Tell your prescriber if you have asthma or wheezing, or if you develop breathlessness.
  • If you have diabetes, be aware it can hide some of the usual warning signs of a low blood sugar.

Evidence & guidelines

Guideline-recommended for migraine prophylaxis (NICE CG150).

Reference: Hemangiol SPC; Léauté-Labrèze et al. NEJM 2008; LEAP Trial; NICE guidance Infantile Haemangioma; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways