Comprehensive medication guide to Propranolol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
With insurance, Propranolol is usually a Tier 1 preferred generic with copays ranging from $0 to $15 per fill.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Generic Propranolol tablets typically cost $10 to $45 without insurance, or as low as $4 with a discount coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
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Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker (beta-blocker) that has been used for decades to treat a wide range of cardiovascular and neurological conditions. It is FDA-approved for hypertension, angina, atrial fibrillation (rate control), secondary prevention after heart attack, migraine prophylaxis, essential tremor, and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. It is also approved as Hemangeol for proliferating infantile hemangioma in infants.
Propranolol is frequently prescribed off-label for performance anxiety (stage fright), generalized anxiety symptoms, thyroid storm symptom management, akathisia, and portal hypertension. All brand-name versions (Inderal, Inderal LA, InnoPran XL) have been discontinued, but the generic is widely available and affordable.
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Propranolol works by competitively blocking both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors throughout the body. By blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart, it decreases heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output — reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand. This is why it is effective for hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.
Because it also blocks beta-2 receptors, Propranolol reduces the physical symptoms of the body's "fight or flight" response — such as racing heart, trembling, and sweating — which is why it is commonly used for performance anxiety and essential tremor. However, this non-selectivity also means it can constrict airways, which is why it is contraindicated in patients with asthma or severe COPD.
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 — solution
20 mg/5 mL, 40 mg/5 mL
Injectable solution — solution
1 mg/mL (for IV use in hospital settings)
Propranolol scores a 72 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it is generally available at most pharmacies with minor gaps. Immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules are widely stocked by generic manufacturers. However, the oral solution (20 mg/5 mL and 40 mg/5 mL) is currently on the ASHP drug shortage list as of 2025, with manufacturer Hikma placing it on allocation. The injectable form (1 mg/mL) is also on back order. If you need the tablet or capsule form, you should be able to find it without much difficulty. If you need the oral solution, use Medfinder to locate pharmacies that have it in stock.
Propranolol can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including:
Since Propranolol is not a controlled substance, it can also be prescribed via telehealth platforms, making it easy to get a prescription without an in-person visit.
No. Propranolol is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not have abuse potential and is not subject to the prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled medications. This means it can be prescribed via telehealth, called in to a pharmacy by phone, and refilled without the limitations that apply to Schedule II–V drugs.
Serious but less common side effects include severe bradycardia or heart block, bronchospasm (especially in asthma or COPD patients), worsening heart failure, severe hypotension, and masking of hypoglycemia symptoms in diabetics. Do not stop Propranolol abruptly — always taper gradually over 1–2 weeks under your doctor's guidance to avoid rebound effects including worsened angina or arrhythmias.
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Metoprolol
A selective beta-1 blocker available as Metoprolol Tartrate (IR) or Metoprolol Succinate (ER/Toprol XL). Better suited for patients with mild asthma or COPD due to its beta-1 selectivity.
Atenolol
A selective beta-1 blocker with once-daily dosing that crosses the blood-brain barrier less readily, meaning fewer CNS side effects like vivid dreams. Less effective for migraine and tremor.
Nadolol
A non-selective beta-blocker like Propranolol but with a longer half-life allowing once-daily dosing. Not metabolized by the liver, making it a better option for patients with hepatic impairment.
Timolol
Another non-selective beta-blocker also used for migraine prophylaxis, though more commonly known in its ophthalmic form for glaucoma.
Prefer Propranolol? We can find it.
Calcium channel blockers
moderate(Verapamil, Diltiazem) — additive bradycardia, hypotension, and risk of heart block
Other antiarrhythmics
moderate(Amiodarone, Digoxin) — additive cardiac depression
MAO inhibitors
moderaterisk of severe hypertension
Insulin and oral diabetes medications
moderatePropranolol can mask hypoglycemia symptoms and prolong low blood sugar episodes
CYP2D6/CYP1A2 inhibitors
moderate(Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Cimetidine) — increased Propranolol blood levels
Clonidine
moderaterisk of rebound hypertension if Clonidine is stopped while on Propranolol
NSAIDs
moderate(Ibuprofen, Naproxen) — may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect
Epinephrine
moderatereduced effectiveness, risk of hypertensive crisis
Propranolol is one of the most widely used and affordable beta-blockers on the market, with a long track record of safety and effectiveness across numerous conditions — from hypertension and migraine prevention to performance anxiety and essential tremor. The generic tablet and capsule forms are readily available at most pharmacies, often for as little as $4–$10 with a discount coupon.
The main supply concern in 2026 is the oral solution shortage, which primarily affects pediatric patients and those who cannot swallow pills. If you're having trouble finding any form of Propranolol, try Medfinder to search pharmacies near you that have it in stock. And as always, never stop taking Propranolol abruptly — work with your prescriber to adjust your treatment plan safely.
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