Propranolol (10mg & 40mg) Tablets

Propranolol tablets are widely prescribed in the UK to treat a number of heart problems. Most commonly, propranolol can be used to treat high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, anxiety and to prevent a second heart attack in people who have previously had one.

Propranolol tablets are available in a number of different doses. Propranolol 40mg is the strongest dose of propranolol available and is usually the starting dose when treating conditions related to anxiety. The other available dose is propranolol 10mg tablets.

If you are new to beta blockers and would like to understand more about how they work and what conditions they treat, you can take a look at our guide to beta blockers.

What are Propranolol 10mg & 40mg tablets used to treat?

Propranolol is used to treat:

• Anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Angina
• Arrythmias
• Migraines

Propranolol tablets are most commonly used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety. Although propranolol will not cure the underlying triggers of your anxiety, it can help to ease some of the physical symptoms that appear as a result of anxiety such as an increased heart rate, trembling and a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Propranolol is also indicated in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, heart failure, heart attacks, migraines and glaucoma, however it is most effective when treating anxiety.

How does Propranolol work?

Propranolol is classed as a beta blocker and works by reducing the workload on the heart. It also controls the rate at which the heart beats. As a result of taking propranolol tablets, the stress on the heart is reduced and the rate at which the heart beats is also slowed down. This makes it easier for the blood to pump around your body.

For situational anxiety, Propranolol blocks the body’s natural adrenaline/stress messages that are sent to the heart in times of distress. When those adrenaline and stress messages are received by the heart, it beats faster and harder.

By stopping those messages being received by the heart, propranolol can ensure that the heart is relaxed and beating at a normal rate. An increased heart rate is one of the first signs of an anxiety attack, propranolol helps to reduce this physical symptom.

Who can take Propranolol tablets?

Propranolol may not be suitable treatment for everyone, depending on your condition. Additionally, it is possible that certain propranolol doses may not be suitable to treat your condition.

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, please make sure you tell your doctor if any of the below apply to you:

• You have low blood pressure or a slow heart rate
• You have lung disease
• You have asthma
• You have heart failure that is worsening with time
• You have too much acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis)
• You have had an allergic reaction to Propranolol or any other medicine in the past
• You have severe blood circulation problems in your limbs; physical symptoms may include tingling in your fingers and toes, or your fingers and toes turn blue or pale

This is not an exhaustive list, you can find more information on who can take propranolol in our guide to propranolol.

Can you take Propranolol 10mg tablets for anxiety?

Propranolol is highly effective at treating situational anxiety. The typical starting dose for treating anxiety is propranolol 10mg, however this depends on the severity of your condition and what previous treatments have been used.

Can you buy Propranolol tablets online in the UK?

You can buy propranolol 40mg and 10mg tablets online from most online pharmacies. If you are looking to buy propranolol online, you will be required to complete an online consultation which will be reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist to ensure you are receiving the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Can you buy Propranolol 40mg and 10mg tablets over the counter in the UK?

Propranolol 40mg and 10mg tablets are prescription only medicines, meaning that they need to be prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist. Propranolol is not available to buy over the counter, it is only available as a prescription treatment.