Propranolol Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Propranolol Shortage in 2026: What's Going On?

If you rely on Propranolol to manage your blood pressure, prevent migraines, control tremors, or ease anxiety, the recent supply disruptions may have hit you hard. You're not imagining it — Propranolol availability has been inconsistent, and certain formulations remain in shortage as we head into 2026.

In this article, we'll give you a clear picture of the current shortage status, explain what's behind it, cover costs, and show you how to find Propranolol in stock.

Is Propranolol Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, yes — certain forms of Propranolol are still in shortage. Here's the breakdown by formulation:

• Oral solution (20 mg/5 mL and 40 mg/5 mL): Listed on the ASHP drug shortage list since February 2025. Hikma, a primary manufacturer, has the oral solution on allocation. This means pharmacies can only order limited quantities, and some may not be able to get it at all.
• Injectable (1 mg/mL): Also on back order through Hikma, with no estimated release date. This primarily affects hospital and clinical settings.
• Tablets (immediate-release): Not formally in shortage, but individual pharmacies may experience spotty availability — especially for the 10 mg and 20 mg strengths commonly prescribed for anxiety and tremor.
• Extended-release capsules: Generally available, though some patients report occasional difficulty finding specific strengths.

Why Is Propranolol Hard to Find?

Several factors are driving the current Propranolol supply issues:

Manufacturing Constraints

The oral solution shortage traces back to manufacturing and allocation decisions by Hikma, one of the few companies that produces this formulation. When a limited number of manufacturers supply a product, any production issue can have an outsized impact.

Rising Demand

Propranolol prescriptions have been increasing steadily, driven in part by growing off-label use for performance anxiety and general anxiety symptoms. The expansion of telehealth services has made it easier to obtain prescriptions, increasing demand for the most popular lower-dose tablets.

Thin Margins on Generics

Propranolol is an inexpensive generic drug. With retail prices as low as $4 to $10 with a coupon, there's limited financial incentive for manufacturers to invest in expanded production capacity or bring new generic versions to market.

For a deeper dive into these causes, see our article on why Propranolol is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Propranolol Cost in 2026?

The good news is that Propranolol remains one of the most affordable prescription medications available:

• Generic IR tablets (30 tablets, 20 mg): $20 to $45 retail without insurance. With a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon, as low as $4 to $10.
• Generic ER capsules (30 capsules, 60 mg): $35 to $75 retail. With a coupon, as low as $12 to $20.
• With insurance: Most patients pay $0 to $15 as a copay, since Propranolol is typically classified as a Tier 1 preferred generic.

For detailed savings strategies, check out our guide on how to save money on Propranolol.

New Options and Workarounds

While the shortage persists for certain formulations, there are options:

Formulation Switching

If the oral solution is unavailable, your doctor can often switch you to an equivalent dose in tablet form. Extended-release capsules can sometimes substitute for multiple daily doses of immediate-release tablets. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.

Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies can prepare Propranolol oral solution from raw ingredients when manufactured versions aren't available. This is particularly important for pediatric patients who need the liquid form for infantile hemangioma treatment.

Therapeutic Alternatives

If Propranolol is completely unavailable, several other beta-blockers can serve as substitutes. Metoprolol, Atenolol, Nadolol, and Timolol are the most commonly used alternatives, each with their own strengths and limitations.

How to Find Propranolol in Stock

Here are the most effective ways to locate Propranolol right now:

1. Use Medfinder: Search for Propranolol and find pharmacies near you that have it in stock — no more calling around.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have different suppliers than the big chains and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens doesn't.
3. Ask about mail-order options: Mail-order pharmacies (including Amazon Pharmacy and Cost Plus Drugs) may have better availability and can ship directly to your door.
4. Refill early: Don't wait until you're completely out. Most insurance plans allow refills when you have about a week of medication remaining.

For a complete walkthrough, see our guide on how to find Propranolol in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Propranolol shortage in 2026 is real, but it's not affecting all formulations equally. Tablets and capsules remain largely available, while the oral solution and injectable continue to face supply constraints. Stay proactive — use tools like Medfinder to check availability, work with your pharmacist and doctor on alternatives, and never stop taking Propranolol abruptly.

We'll continue to update this page as the shortage situation evolves. For more Propranolol resources, explore our articles on Propranolol side effects and drug interactions to watch out for.