Doctors widely consider beta-blockers to be a safe class of medication. They have comparatively few side effects and are not prone to abuse or dependence.
Nevertheless, beta-blockers like Propranolol are prescription medication and can interact negatively with some other types of drugs.
Certain drug interactions may decrease the effectiveness of the medications you’re taking and in some cases can even lead to harmful effects.
As a result, you should always tell your doctor about anything else you take before starting a new prescription medication, including beta-blockers
How does Propranolol interact with other drugs?
There are different categories for the likelihood of interactions between medications as well as how serious those interactions can be. These include:
- Contraindicated: Risk of negative interaction is very high. You should never take medications with contraindications as they can lower the effectiveness of your medication and leave you at high risk for negative effects.
- Serious: Risk of negative interaction is high. You should only take drugs with serious interaction under the close supervision of a doctor.
- Significant: There is a likelihood of negative interaction. You should only take drugs with significant interaction under the supervision of your doctor.
- Minor: The likelihood of negative interaction is low.
Propranolol isn’t known to have severe interaction with any other medications; however, it can carry serious, significant, and minor interactions with other drugs.
Any prescription medication that slows your heart rate like Propranolol may interact with other drugs that affect your heart, circulatory system, or blood pressure.
What drugs does Propranolol interact with?
Patients can safely take many types of drugs with Propranolol. However, it does interact with certain classifications of medicine.
Your doctor will determine whether or not a beta-blocker prescription is right for you based on your health history and the information you provide them.
Always be sure to alert your doctor to any changes in your health as well as provide a full list of all medications and supplements you take.
Drugs that can cause dangerous interactions with Propranolol include:
- Blood pressure drugs, such as:
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
- Other Beta-blockers
- Anesthetics (Drugs that block sensation), such as:
- Drugs used to increase heart rate and blood pressure, such as:
- Asthma drugs, such as theophylline.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin
- Drugs for stomach ulcers, such as cimetidine
- Antacids with aluminum hydroxide
You should always err on the side of caution with prescription medications. Please check with your doctor before combining Propranolol with any other medication, even those not included on this list.
Get started with an online consultation now and connect with one of our board-certified doctors to learn if Propranolol is right for you.
Reviewed by Dr. Alex Dimitriu
Dr. Alex Dimitriu is a Stanford-trained physician with dual board certification in psychiatry and sleep medicine. The included content is not intended to replace medical advice. Always be sure to discuss any prescription medications with your doctor.