Your Pharmacy Is Out of Propranolol — Now What?

Few things are more frustrating than showing up at your pharmacy only to hear, "We don't have that in stock right now." If you're trying to fill a Propranolol prescription and coming up empty, don't panic. There are practical steps you can take to find your medication quickly.

Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta-blockers in the United States. It's used for high blood pressure, migraine prevention, essential tremor, and anxiety, among other conditions. While the drug is widely manufactured as a generic, certain formulations — especially the oral solution — have experienced supply issues in 2025 and 2026.

Here are three tips to help you find Propranolol in stock near you.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Pharmacy Availability

The fastest way to find Propranolol in stock is to use Medfinder. Instead of calling multiple pharmacies one by one, Medfinder lets you search for your medication and see which nearby pharmacies have it available — all in one place.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Propranolol" and select your dose and formulation
3. Enter your ZIP code
4. See a list of pharmacies near you that have it in stock

This can save you hours of phone calls and wasted trips. It's especially helpful when your usual pharmacy is out of stock and you need to find an alternative location fast.

Tip 2: Check Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

When large chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid run out of a medication, independent pharmacies are often your best bet. Here's why:

• Different suppliers: Independent pharmacies often use different wholesale distributors than the big chains. They may have access to stock that chain pharmacies can't get.
• More flexible ordering: A local pharmacist can sometimes special-order your medication from an alternate supplier within 1 to 2 business days.
• Compounding pharmacies: If the specific formulation you need (like Propranolol oral solution) is unavailable from any manufacturer, a compounding pharmacy can prepare it from raw ingredients. This is especially important for pediatric patients who need the liquid form for infantile hemangioma treatment.

To find independent pharmacies in your area, search online for "independent pharmacy near me" or ask your doctor's office for recommendations.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacy stock levels fluctuate throughout the week. A few timing strategies can improve your chances:

• Refill early in the week: Many pharmacies receive new shipments on Monday or Tuesday. Calling or submitting your refill early in the week gives you the best chance of catching fresh stock.
• Don't wait until you're completely out: Most insurance plans allow you to refill a 30-day prescription when you have about 7 days of medication remaining. Refilling a few days early gives you a buffer in case of delays.
• Ask your pharmacist about expected delivery dates: If your pharmacy is temporarily out, ask when their next shipment is expected. Sometimes stock returns within 2 to 3 days.

What If You Still Can't Find Propranolol?

If you've tried these tips and still can't locate Propranolol, here are a few more options:

Ask Your Doctor About a Formulation Switch

If the oral solution is unavailable, your doctor can often switch you to an equivalent dose in tablet or capsule form. If immediate-release tablets at a specific strength are out of stock, the extended-release capsule may be available — or vice versa. Your doctor can adjust the dosing accordingly.

Explore Therapeutic Alternatives

Other beta-blockers may work for your condition if Propranolol is completely unavailable. Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Nadolol are commonly used alternatives. Your doctor can determine whether one of these is appropriate for you.

Check Mail-Order and Online Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies, including Amazon Pharmacy, Cost Plus Drugs, and your insurance plan's mail-order option, may have better stock availability than local pharmacies. Ordering a 90-day supply through mail order can also save you money and reduce the frequency of refills.

Never Stop Taking Propranolol Without Medical Advice

We can't stress this enough: do not stop Propranolol abruptly. Sudden discontinuation can cause dangerous rebound effects, including a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, worsening angina, and potentially a heart attack. If you're running low, contact your doctor immediately to discuss your options — they may be able to call in a prescription to a different pharmacy or start a safe taper.

Final Thoughts

Finding Propranolol in stock can take some effort right now, but with the right tools and strategy, it's very doable. Start with Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability, explore independent pharmacies, and time your refills wisely. If all else fails, work with your doctor to find a suitable alternative.

For more on the current Propranolol shortage and your options, check out our other guides.