Real Life Pharmacology - Pharmacology Education For Health Care Professionals

On this episode, I discuss propranolol pharmacology, adverse reactions, and important drug interactions you should know. Propranolol (Inderal) is a non-selective beta-blocker. There are many indications for it including hypertension, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, post-MI, chronic stable angina, essential tremors, migraine prophylaxis, esophageal varices, performance anxiety disorder, lithium-induced tremor, psychotic induced akathisia, and thyroid storm. Propranolol blocks beta-1 receptors that are commonly referred to as the cardiac receptors and beta-2 receptors that are in the lungs. Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist meaning that propranolol can block its effects. This may lead to bronchospasms and worsening of respiratory conditions. This is one of the major issues when using a non-selective beta-blocker vs a selective one. Other adverse effects include a drop in blood pressure and pulse. Fatigue is also seen in many geriatric patients so it is important to be titrating them up slowly. If you not