NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Propranolol

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. It was the first clinically useful beta-blocker and is used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, migraine prophylaxis, essential tremor, and performance anxiety. Its lipophilic nature allows CNS penetration.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2016–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 40–320 mg daily in 2–3 divided doses (IR) or once daily (LA/XL) (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete coq10. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Effective for rate control in arrhythmias1,4
  • Migraine prophylaxis
  • Essential tremor control1
  • Performance anxiety relief9
  • Angina management
What to watch for
  • Bradycardia
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Bronchospasm (especially in asthma/COPD patients)
  • Asthma and reactive airway disease
  • Severe sinus bradycardia4

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: effective for rate control in arrhythmias, migraine prophylaxis, essential tremor control. 10 sources indexed (2016–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Non-selectively blocks beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Beta-1 blockade reduces heart rate, contractility, and renin release. Beta-2 blockade can cause bronchospasm, peripheral vasoconstriction, and impair glycogenolysis. Also has membrane-stabilizing activity at higher doses. Lipophilic, crosses blood-brain barrier.

Class
Non-Selective Beta-Adrenergic Blocker
Absorption
Fat-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
40–320 mg daily in 2–3 divided doses (IR) or once daily (LA/XL) (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral tablet (immediate-release) or long-acting capsule

Food enhances bioavailability by reducing first-pass hepatic metabolism; take consistently with or without food

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

CoQ10

Mild

Chronic beta-blocker therapy has been associated with lower tissue CoQ10 status and reduced mitochondrial electron transport support.

Replace Coenzyme Q10Monitor Plasma CoQ10Onset Usually over months of chronic use

Full Propranolol depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Bradycardia
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Bronchospasm (especially in asthma/COPD patients)
  • Cold extremities
  • Depression and insomnia
  • Hypoglycemia masking in diabetics
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Vivid dreams

Contraindications

  • Asthma and reactive airway disease
  • Severe sinus bradycardia4
  • Second- or third-degree heart block without pacemaker6
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Decompensated heart failure6
  • Pheochromocytoma (unless alpha-blocked first)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Propranolol, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. It was the first clinically useful beta-blocker and is used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, migraine prophylaxis, essential tremor, and performance anxiety. Its lipophilic nature allows CNS penetration.

What is Propranolol used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Propranolol include: Effective for rate control in arrhythmias; Migraine prophylaxis; Essential tremor control; Performance anxiety relief; Angina management. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Propranolol?

A typical adult dose of Propranolol is 40–320 mg daily in 2–3 divided doses (IR) or once daily (LA/XL) (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral tablet (immediate-release) or long-acting capsule. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Propranolol?

Reported side effects include bradycardia, fatigue and tiredness, bronchospasm (especially in asthma/copd patients), cold extremities, depression and insomnia, hypoglycemia masking in diabetics. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Propranolol?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Propranolol in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.