Propranolol Is a Non-Selective Beta-Blocker Used to Treat High Blood Pressure, Migraines, Tremor, and Anxiety Symptoms

If your doctor has mentioned Propranolol — or you've seen it come up while researching heart, migraine, or anxiety treatments — you probably have questions. What does it actually do? Is it safe? How much does it cost?

This guide covers everything you need to know about Propranolol in 2026, from what it's approved for to how much you'll pay at the pharmacy.

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called non-selective beta-adrenergic blockers (commonly known as beta-blockers). It was one of the first beta-blockers ever developed and has been used for decades.

Here are the key facts:

• Generic name: Propranolol Hydrochloride
• Brand names: Inderal, Inderal LA, Inderal XL, InnoPran XL, Hemangeol (all brand versions except Hemangeol have been discontinued — generic is standard)
• Drug class: Non-selective beta-blocker (Class II antiarrhythmic)
• Controlled substance: No. Propranolol is not a DEA-scheduled drug.
• Available forms: Immediate-release tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg), extended-release capsules (60 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, 160 mg), oral solution (20 mg/5 mL, 40 mg/5 mL), and injectable (1 mg/mL for hospital use)
• Manufacturers: Multiple generic manufacturers. Hikma produces the oral solution. Hemangeol is made by Pierre Fabre.

To understand how Propranolol works at a deeper level, see our guide on how Propranolol works.

What Is Propranolol Used For?

Propranolol has a wide range of FDA-approved uses:

FDA-Approved Indications

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) — One of the most common uses. Typical dose: 80-320 mg per day.
• Angina pectoris — Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
• Atrial fibrillation — Helps control heart rate in patients with irregular heartbeat.
• Heart attack prevention — Reduces the risk of a second heart attack (secondary prevention).
• Migraine prophylaxis — Prevents migraines from occurring. Typical dose: 80-240 mg per day.
• Essential tremor — Reduces involuntary shaking of the hands and arms. Typical dose: 40 mg twice daily, up to 320 mg per day.
• Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis — A heart condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken.
• Pheochromocytoma — Used alongside alpha-blockers for adrenal gland tumors.
• Infantile hemangioma — Hemangeol (the liquid form) is FDA-approved for babies with proliferating hemangiomas.

Common Off-Label Uses

Doctors also prescribe Propranolol for conditions not on the FDA label:

• Performance anxiety and stage fright — Perhaps the best-known off-label use. A low dose (10-40 mg) taken 30-60 minutes before a presentation or performance can reduce physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, and a racing heart.
• Generalized anxiety (physical symptoms) — Helps with the physical manifestations of anxiety, though it doesn't treat the psychological aspects.
• Thyroid storm — Controls rapid heart rate and tremor in thyrotoxicosis.
• Akathisia — Restlessness caused by antipsychotic medications.
• Portal hypertension — Prevents variceal bleeding in liver disease patients.
• PTSD-related symptoms

How Is Propranolol Taken?

How you take Propranolol depends on the formulation:

• Immediate-release (IR) tablets: Usually taken 2 to 4 times per day, with or without food. Take it consistently the same way each time.
• Extended-release (ER) capsules: Taken once daily. InnoPran XL is designed for bedtime dosing; Inderal LA was typically taken in the morning. Swallow whole — do not crush or chew.
• Oral solution: Measured with a calibrated syringe. Primarily used for infants with hemangioma.
• For performance anxiety: A single dose of 10-40 mg taken 30-60 minutes before the event.

Important: Do not stop taking Propranolol suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can cause a dangerous rebound in heart rate and blood pressure, and in people with heart disease, it can trigger chest pain or even a heart attack. Your doctor should taper your dose over 1 to 2 weeks. Learn more about this and other risks in our side effects guide.

Who Should Not Take Propranolol?

Propranolol is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Asthma or severe COPD
• Very slow heart rate (sinus bradycardia) or heart block greater than first degree
• Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure
• Sick sinus syndrome (without a pacemaker)
• Severe peripheral arterial disease
• An allergy to Propranolol

People with diabetes should use caution because Propranolol can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar. Pregnant women should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor (Pregnancy Category C).

For a full list of medications that interact with Propranolol, see our drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Propranolol Cost?

Propranolol is one of the most affordable prescription medications available:

• With insurance: $0 to $15 copay. It's typically covered as a Tier 1 (preferred generic) medication on most plans. No prior authorization is usually required.
• Without insurance (cash price): $20 to $45 for 30 immediate-release tablets; $35 to $75 for 30 extended-release capsules.
• With a discount coupon: As low as $4 to $12 for a 30-day supply using GoodRx or SingleCare.
• $4 generic programs: Walmart, Kroger, and other chains include Propranolol on their discount generic formularies.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Propranolol.

Final Thoughts

Propranolol has been a cornerstone medication for over 50 years, and for good reason. It's versatile, effective, affordable, and widely available in generic form. Whether you're taking it for blood pressure, migraines, tremor, or performance anxiety, it's one of the best-studied medications in the world.

If you have questions about whether Propranolol is right for you, talk to your doctor. And if you need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you check stock in real time.