The therapeutic benefits of propranolol for the treatment of hypertension and coronary heart disease are well documented. For angina pectoris the dose must be determined cautiously for every individual. The (proven) benefits of propranolol in the long-term prophylaxis following myocardial infarction may be based on the drug's antiarrhythmic effects. This property can also be used advantageously for catecholamine excess — e.g. for pheochromocytoma — or for atrial fibrillation (combined with digitalis). The long-term results for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy are disappointing.

In the treatment of thyrotoxicosis, propranolol not only has beneficial influence on the heart rate but also on other symptoms (e.g. tremor). Propranolol reduces the risk of bleeding due to esophageal varices during portal hypertension.

The use of propranolol is also well documented for the interval treatment of migraine. The drug can, furthermore, be useful for physical symptoms originating from anxiety states and for essential (familial) tremor.

Table of Contents | Pharmacology | Adverse Reactions & Interactions | Contraindications & Cautions | Risk Groups | References