General Drug Information and Indications

Non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker for cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, and hyperthyroid management in dogs and cats. Non-selective beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. Mechanism: competitive blockade of beta-1 receptors (heart: negative chronotropy, negative inotropy, reduced CO; decreased renin release) and beta-2 receptors (bronchoconstriction risk; peripheral vasoconstriction). Anti-arrhythmic (Class II): prolongs AV nodal refractory period. Highly lipophilic; significant first-pass metabolism. Key information Non-selective beta-blocker. Do not abruptly discontinue — rebound hypertension/tachycardia. Contraindicated in asthma/bronchospasm. Monitor heart rate. Mask hypoglycemia signs.

How to Give this Medication

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Consistent dosing at the same times daily. IV (arrhythmias): dilute and administer as slow IV bolus with ECG monitoring (1 mg/min in humans — titrate to effect in animals). Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose. Never abruptly stop.

Side Effects

Bradycardia, AV block, hypotension. Negative inotropic effect — worsen CHF. Bronchospasm (beta-2 blockade — significant risk in asthma/RAO). Fatigue, exercise intolerance, lethargy. GI: vomiting, diarrhea. Masking of hypoglycemia symptoms. Rebound effects with abrupt discontinuation (tachycardia, hypertension).

Precautions

For animals Avoid in AV block, decompensated CHF, bronchospasm. Non-selective — significant bronchospasm risk in patients with RAO/asthma. Masking of hypoglycemia signs. Do not abruptly discontinue. Reduce dose or extend interval in renal impairment. Use with caution in hepatic impairment. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Non-selective beta-blocker — dangerous to children (bradycardia, bronchospasm). Store securely. Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Beta-blocker overdose causes severe bradycardia, bronchospasm, and cardiovascular collapse.

Propranolol Tab dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
PROPRANOLOL TAB 20MG20 MGTablet1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Antiarrhythmics for Use in Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/systemic-pharmacotherapeutics-of-the-cardiovascular-system/antiarrhythmics-for-use-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)