How and when to take propranolol

Propranolol tablets come in strengths of 10mg, 40mg, 80mg or 160mg. The slow release capsules are 80mg or 160mg. The liquid comes in strengths of 5mg, 10mg, 40mg or 50mg in 5ml.

How much you take depends on why you need propranolol.

The usual doses for adults are:

• high blood pressure – the starting dose is usually 80mg, taken twice a day. If this dose is not working well enough to reduce your blood pressure, your doctor may increase it to a maximum of 160mg twice a day
• migraine or angina (chest pain) – 40mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. This can be increased to 240mg a day. Your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to split the dose over the day
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) – 10mg to 40mg, taken 3 or 4 times a day
• anxiety – 40mg taken once a day, which can be increased to 40mg taken 3 times a day
• too much thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis) – 10mg to 40mg, taken 3 or 4 times a day

Doses are usually lower for people aged over 65 or people with kidney or liver problems.

If your child needs propranolol, your doctor will usually use your child's weight to work out the right dose.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. If you find the tablets difficult to swallow, some brands have a score line to help you break the tablet in half. Check the information leaflet for your brand to see if you can do this.

If you're taking capsules, swallow them whole with a drink of water. Do not break, chew or crush them.

If you're taking propranolol as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount of medicine.

Propranolol does not usually upset your stomach so you can take it with or without food. It's best to do the same each day.