Struggling to find Propranolol at your pharmacy? Learn why Propranolol is hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do right now.
You went to pick up your Propranolol prescription, and your pharmacist told you it's on back order. Or maybe they said they don't have your dose in stock, and they're not sure when it will be available again. If this sounds familiar, you're far from the only one dealing with this problem.
Propranolol has been a go-to medication for decades, treating everything from high blood pressure and migraines to essential tremor and performance anxiety. But in recent months, many patients across the United States have reported difficulty filling their prescriptions — particularly for certain formulations like the oral solution.
In this article, we'll explain what Propranolol is, why it has become harder to find, and what steps you can take to get your medication filled.
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker — one of the oldest and most widely used medications in its class. It was first approved by the FDA in 1967 and is available as a generic drug. All brand-name versions, including Inderal, Inderal LA, and InnoPran XL, have been discontinued, though generic versions remain widely manufactured.
Propranolol works by blocking beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the body. This slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and calms the physical symptoms of anxiety — like a racing heart, trembling, and sweating.
Doctors prescribe Propranolol for a wide range of conditions, including:
It comes in several forms: immediate-release tablets (10 mg to 80 mg), extended-release capsules (60 mg to 160 mg), oral solution, and injectable form for hospital use.
There are several reasons why you might be having trouble finding Propranolol at your pharmacy right now.
As of 2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) listed Propranolol oral solution (20 mg/5 mL and 40 mg/5 mL) as being in shortage. Hikma, a major manufacturer, has placed the oral solution on allocation — meaning pharmacies can only order limited quantities. The injectable form (1 mg/mL) is also on back order with no estimated release date.
While tablets and extended-release capsules have not been formally listed in shortage, the ripple effects of the liquid shortage can increase demand for tablets, making certain strengths temporarily harder to find at individual pharmacies.
Like many generic medications, Propranolol relies on a global supply chain for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Disruptions at manufacturing facilities, shipping delays, and quality control issues can all contribute to periodic shortages. When one manufacturer has a production issue, pharmacies that rely on that supplier may run out.
Propranolol has seen growing demand in recent years, particularly for off-label use in treating performance anxiety and general anxiety symptoms. Telehealth platforms have made it easier than ever to get a prescription, which has contributed to higher overall demand for the drug — especially for the lower-dose tablets (10 mg and 20 mg) commonly used for anxiety.
Because Propranolol is an inexpensive generic drug — often costing as little as $4 to $10 with a discount coupon — profit margins for manufacturers are slim. This can reduce the incentive to ramp up production quickly when supply issues arise, since the financial return is relatively low compared to more expensive branded drugs.
If you're struggling to fill your Propranolol prescription, here are some practical steps:
Medfinder helps you search for medications in stock at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online and find the closest location that has your specific formulation and dose.
Large chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve more customers. Independent pharmacies may have different wholesale suppliers and could have stock when the big chains don't. Compounding pharmacies can also prepare custom formulations of Propranolol, which is especially helpful if the oral solution is unavailable.
If you normally take the oral solution and it's unavailable, your doctor may be able to switch you to an equivalent dose in tablet form (which is more widely available). Similarly, switching between immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules might be an option depending on your condition.
If Propranolol is simply unavailable in any form, your doctor may recommend a different beta-blocker. Alternatives to Propranolol include Metoprolol, Atenolol, and Nadolol, which work in similar ways and may be easier to find.
This is critical: never stop taking Propranolol suddenly without talking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping can cause rebound effects, including a dangerous spike in heart rate and blood pressure, worsening angina, and in rare cases, heart attack. If you're running low and can't get a refill, contact your doctor right away so they can help you taper safely or find an alternative.
Propranolol is a safe, effective, and affordable medication that millions of Americans depend on every day. When supply issues make it hard to find, it can be stressful — but you have options. Start by checking Propranolol availability near you using Medfinder, talk to your pharmacist and doctor about alternatives, and never stop your medication without medical guidance.
For more information about Propranolol, visit our guides on what Propranolol is and how it's used and how to save money on Propranolol.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
