Propranolol
- Class: Non-selective beta blocker
- Used for: high blood pressure and tremor
- Say it: proh-PRAN-oh-lol
- Forms: tablet, capsule, oral liquid, injection
Remember the name – PRO → the professional, before a performance
PROPRANOLOL is the PRO's pill before a PERFORMANCE — it stills the shaking hands and the hammering pulse.
It crosses into the brain and blocks beta receptors everywhere, which is why it works on tremor and performance anxiety. The same lack of selectivity is why it can close an asthmatic's airway.
PROPRANOLOL is the PRO's pill before a PERFORMANCE — it stills the shaking hands and the hammering pulse.
It crosses into the brain and blocks beta receptors everywhere, which is why it works on tremor and performance anxiety. The same lack of selectivity is why it can close an asthmatic's airway.
Mnemonic: PROpranolol is promiscuous — it blocks beta everywhere
Non-selective means beta-2 as well, so airways can tighten. That same broad reach is why it works for tremor, migraine prevention and performance anxiety.
Non-selective means beta-2 as well, so airways can tighten. That same broad reach is why it works for tremor, migraine prevention and performance anxiety.
Side effects
Common: fatigue, cold hands, vivid dreams
Serious: bronchospasm in asthma, masked hypoglycemia
Typical dose
40 mg two or three times daily
10–40 mg as a single dose for tremor or performance anxiety. Avoid in asthma.
Check yourself
Why is Propranolol avoided in asthma?
- It blocks the beta-2 receptors that keep airways open
- It causes a dry cough
- It commonly triggers an allergic reaction
- It physically interacts with inhaler propellant
Show answer
A. It blocks the beta-2 receptors that keep airways open
It is the mirror image of albuterol: one switches beta-2 on to open the airway, the other switches it off. It also blunts the response to the rescue inhaler when it is most needed.
See it, don't memorize it
The app has the mechanism comic and a patient case for Propranolol – plus the name link, the class mnemonic, pronunciation you can hear, and a self-check, for the top 100 drugs. One purchase, no subscription, no account.