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Medication guide

Propranolol: uses, appearance and warnings

What the official FDA label says Propranolol is used for, what it looks like, and its most important warnings — in plain English, with the label text one click away.
beta-Adrenergic BlockerPrescription label

Uses

What the official label says Propranolol is used for

The FDA label for Propranolol states:

Hypertension Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are indicated in the management of hypertension. They may be used alone or used in combination with other antihypertensive agents, particularly a thiazide diuretic. Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are not indicated in the management of hypertensive emergencies. Angina Pectoris Due to Coronary Atherosclerosis Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are indicated to decrease angina frequency and increase exercise tolerance in patients with angina pectoris. …
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
Hypertension Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are indicated in the management of hypertension. They may be used alone or used in combination with other antihypertensive agents, particularly a thiazide diuretic. Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are not indicated in the management of hypertensive emergencies. Angina Pectoris Due to Coronary Atherosclerosis Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are indicated to decrease angina frequency and increase exercise tolerance in patients with angina pectoris. Migraine Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP are indicated for the prophylaxis of common migraine headache. The efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of a migraine attack that has started has not been established, and propranolol is not indicated for such use. Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis Propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules USP improve NYHA functional class in symptomatic patients with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.

Names & forms

Brand names, forms and strengths

Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Hemangeol, Inderal, InnoPran.

Generic name: propranolol · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 8787

Forms and strengths of Propranolol listed in RxNorm
FormStrengths listed in RxNorm
Extended Release Oral Capsule60 MG, 80 MG, 120 MG, 160 MG
Injection1 MG/ML
Oral Capsule80 MG
Oral Solution1 MG/ML, 2 MG/ML, 4 MG/ML, 4.28 MG/ML, 8 MG/ML, 10 MG/ML, 16 MG/ML, 80 MG/ML
Oral Tablet10 MG, 20 MG, 40 MG, 60 MG, 80 MG, 90 MG, 160 MG

Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.

Appearance

What Propranolol looks like

Illustration: light blue capsule capsule, extended release, imprint INDERAL LA 60INDERAL LA 60

propranolol hydrochloride 60 mg
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Illustration: light blue capsule capsule, extended release, imprint INDERAL LA 80INDERAL LA 80

propranolol hydrochloride 80 mg
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Illustration: dark blue capsule capsule, extended release, imprint INDERAL LA 120INDERAL LA 120

propranolol hydrochloride 120 mg
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Illustration: dark blue capsule capsule, extended release, imprint INDERAL LA 160INDERAL LA 160

propranolol hydrochloride 160 mg
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Illustration: orange round tablet, imprint 54 82 V54 82 V

propranolol hydrochloride 10 mg
Par Health USA, LLC

Illustration: blue round tablet, imprint 54 83 V54 83 V

propranolol hydrochloride 20 mg
Par Health USA, LLC

Illustration based on label data — not a photo; appearance varies by manufacturer. Confirm with your pharmacist.
Appearance of Propranolol products from DailyMed product data
StrengthFormColourShapeSizeImprintScoreLabeler
propranolol hydrochloride 60 mgcapsule, extended releasewhiteblue“light blue”capsule16 mmINDERAL · LA · 601ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
propranolol hydrochloride 80 mgcapsule, extended releaseblue“light blue”capsule16 mmINDERAL · LA · 801ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
propranolol hydrochloride 120 mgcapsule, extended releaseblueblue“dark blue”capsule18 mmINDERAL · LA · 1201ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
propranolol hydrochloride 160 mgcapsule, extended releaseblue“dark blue”capsule19 mmINDERAL · LA · 1601ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
propranolol hydrochloride 10 mgtabletorangeround7 mm54 · 82 · V2Par Health USA, LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 20 mgtabletblueround7 mm54 · 83 · V2Par Health USA, LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 40 mgtabletgreenround9 mm54 · 84 · V2Par Health USA, LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 60 mgtabletpinkround9 mm54 · 85 · V2Par Health USA, LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 80 mgtabletyellowround10 mm54 · 86 · V2Par Health USA, LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 60 mgcapsule, extended releasebluewhite“Opaque Cap”capsule16 mm325 · 601Creekwood Pharmaceuticals LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 80 mgcapsule, extended releaseblueblue“Light Blue Opaque Cap”capsule16 mm326 · 801Creekwood Pharmaceuticals LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 120 mgcapsule, extended releaseblueblue“Dark Blue Opaque Cap”capsule18 mm327 · 1201Creekwood Pharmaceuticals LLC
propranolol hydrochloride 160 mgcapsule, extended releaseblueblue“Dark Blue Opaque Cap”capsule19 mm305 · 1601Creekwood Pharmaceuticals LLC

From the product data in each manufacturer's label on DailyMed. Many companies make Propranolol, so your medicine may look different from any shown here. If a pill looks unfamiliar, ask your pharmacist before taking it.

Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules USP Each white/light-blue capsule, imprinted with three rings and reverse imprinted ‘INDERAL LA 60’, contains 60 mg of propranolol hydrochloride USP (equivalent to 52.60 mg of propranolol) in bottles of 100 (NDC 62559-530-01). Each light-blue capsule, imprinted with three rings and reverse imprinted ‘INDERAL LA 80’, contains 80 mg of propranolol hydrochloride USP (equivalent to 70.14 mg of propranolol) in bottles of 100 (NDC 62559-531-01). Each light-blue/dark-blue capsule, imprinted with three rings and reverse imprinted ‘INDERAL LA 120’, contains 120 mg of propranolol hydrochloride USP (equivalent to 105.21 mg of propranolol) in bottles of 100 (NDC 62559-532-01). Each dark-blue capsule, imprinted with three rings and reverse imprinted ‘INDERAL LA 160’, contains 160 mg of propranolol hydrochloride USP (equivalent to 140.28 mg of propranolol) in bottles of 100 (NDC 62559-533-01). Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature] Protect from light, moisture, freezing, and excessive heat. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP. For medical inquires, contact ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-855-204-1431. Distributed by: ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Baudette, MN 56623 10748 Rev 04/26 ani-logo

Safety

Important warnings for Propranolol

Angina Pectoris There have been reports of exacerbation of angina and, in some cases, myocardial infarction, following abrupt discontinuance of propranolol therapy. Therefore, when discontinuance of propranolol is planned, the dosage should be gradually reduced over at least a few weeks, and the patient should be cautioned against interruption or cessation of therapy without the physician's advice. …

Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
Propranolol is contraindicated in 1) cardiogenic shock; 2) sinus bradycardia and greater than first-degree block; 3) bronchial asthma; and 4) in patients with known hypersensitivity to propranolol hydrochloride.
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
Angina Pectoris There have been reports of exacerbation of angina and, in some cases, myocardial infarction, following abrupt discontinuance of propranolol therapy. Therefore, when discontinuance of propranolol is planned, the dosage should be gradually reduced over at least a few weeks, and the patient should be cautioned against interruption or cessation of therapy without the physician's advice. If propranolol therapy is interrupted and exacerbation of angina occurs, it usually is advisable to reinstitute propranolol therapy and take other measures appropriate for the management of unstable angina pectoris. Since coronary artery disease may be unrecognized, it may be prudent to follow the above advice in patients considered at risk of having occult atherosclerotic heart disease who are given propranolol for other indications. Hypersensitivity and Skin Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, have been associated with the administration of propranolol (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Cutaneous reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, and urticaria, have been reported with use of propranolol (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be a vital component supporting circulatory function in patients with congestive heart failure, and its inhibition by beta blockade may precipitate more severe failure. Although beta-blockers should be avoided in overt congestive heart failure, some have been shown to be highly beneficial when used with close follow-up in patients with a history of failure who are well compensated and are receiving diuretics as needed. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents do not abolish the inotropic action of digitalis on heart muscle. In Patients without a History of Heart Failure, continued use of beta-blockers can, in some cases, lead to cardiac failure. Nonallergic Bronchospasm (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema) In general, patients with bronchospastic lung disease should not receive beta-blockers. Propranolol should be administered with caution in this setting since it may provoke a bronchial asthmatic attack by blocking bronchodilation produced by endogenous and exogenous catecholamine stimulation of beta-receptors. Major Surgery Chronically administered beta-blocking therapy should not be routinely withdrawn prior to major surgery, however the impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli may augment the risks of general anesthesia and surgical procedures. Hypoglycemia Beta-blockers may prevent early warning signs of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, and increase the risk for severe or prolonged hypoglycemia at any time during treatment, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus or children and patients who are fasting (i.e., surgery, not eating regularly, or are vomiting). If severe hypoglycemia occurs, patients should be instructed to seek emergency treatment. Hypoglycemia has been reported in patients taking propranolol after prolonged physical exertion and in patients with renal insufficiency. Thyrotoxicosis Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask certain clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, abrupt withdrawal of propranolol may be followed by an exacerbation of symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including thyroid storm. Propranolol may change thyroid-function tests, increasing T 4 and reverse T 3 , and decreasing T 3 . Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Beta-adrenergic blockade in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and tachycardia has been associated with severe bradycardia requiring treatment with a pacemaker. In one case, this result was reported after an initial dose of 5 mg propranolol.
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
The following adverse events were observed and have been reported in patients using propranolol. Cardiovascular: Bradycardia; congestive heart failure; intensification of AV block; hypotension; paresthesia of hands; thrombocytopenic purpura; arterial insufficiency, usually of the Raynaud type. Central Nervous System: Light-headedness; mental depression manifested by insomnia, lassitude, weakness, fatigue; catatonia; visual disturbances; hallucinations; vivid dreams; an acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation for time and place, short-term memory loss, emotional lability, slightly clouded sensorium, and decreased performance on neuropsychometrics. For immediate release formulations, fatigue, lethargy, and vivid dreams appear dose related. …
Drug interactions — opening of the label's section
All drug interaction studies were conducted with propranolol. There are no data on drug interactions with propranolol hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Interactions with Substrates, Inhibitors or Inducers of Cytochrome P-450 Enzymes Because propranolol’s metabolism involves multiple pathways in the Cytochrome P-450 system (CYP2D6, 1A2, 2C19), co-administration with drugs that are metabolized by, or affect the activity (induction or inhibition) of one or more of these pathways may lead to clinically relevant drug interactions (see Drug Interactions under PRECAUTIONS ). Substrates or Inhibitors of CYP2D6 Blood levels and/or toxicity of propranolol may be increased by co-administration with substrates or inhibitors of CYP2D6, such as amiodarone, cimetidine, delavudin, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, and ritonavir. …

This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.

Resources

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Sources

Label text is quoted from the ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. label (label version effective August 27, 2026), retrieved October 20, 2026. Other manufacturers' labels for the same medicine may differ in wording.

If anything here differs from the label that came with your medicine, follow your label and your pharmacist.

Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. This page does not tell you whether to take a medicine or how much to take. Medical emergency? Call 911. Poison emergency: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.