Propranolol Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Propranolol is a beta blocker that treats certain heart-related conditions as well as other medical conditions. It comes as an oral tablet, solution (liquid), and extended-release (ER) capsule (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL).
The typical propranolol dosage depends on what you’re taking it for. Most adults take between 80 mg and 240 mg of propranolol daily. The ER capsules are typically taken once a day, but the tablets and solution are usually divided into smaller doses taken throughout the day.
GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price of generic propranolol tablets at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount.
Table of contents
Propranolol is a common beta blocker medication. It treats several heart-related health conditions, and it can also be used for migraines, tremors, and more. Your propranolol dosage will depend on several factors, such as why you’re taking it and which form you’re prescribed.
Here, we’ll cover common propranolol dosages for adults. Keep in mind that your healthcare team will help choose the best propranolol dosage for your needs. So it may differ from what’s described below.
What dosage forms does propranolol come in?
For adults, propranolol is available in immediate-release tablets, extended-release (ER) capsules (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL), and an oral solution. (It also comes as an injection, but that’s typically only used in a hospital and won’t be covered here.)
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Each form of propranolol comes in a variety of doses, as detailed in the table below.
Tablet | ER capsule | Oral solution |
|---|---|---|
• 10 mg • 20 mg • 40 mg • 60 mg • 80 mg | • 60 mg • 80 mg* • 120 mg* • 160 mg (* InnoPran XL doses) | • 20 mg/5 mL • 40 mg/5 mL |
In most cases, you’ll take the ER capsules once daily and the tablets or oral solution 2 to 4 times a day. That’s because the ER form is designed to last longer in the body with each dose. The oral solution is a helpful option for adults who have trouble swallowing pills.
What’s the typical propranolol dosage for adults?
The typical propranolol dosage for adults depends on what you’re taking it for. Each form of propranolol is approved for different health conditions. So you may not be able to switch from one to another depending on why you’re taking it.
High blood pressure
The propranolol dosage for high blood pressure starts at 80 mg per day. If needed, your prescriber may increase your dose until your blood pressure reaches its target reading.
For propranolol ER capsules, the usual dosage for high blood pressure is 120 mg to 160 mg daily. For the tablets or solution, typical maintenance dosages range between 120 mg and 240 mg divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses throughout the day. In rare cases, doses of up to 640 mg daily may be needed.
InnoPran XL is a brand-name form of propranolol that’s only approved for high blood pressure. The recommended dosage is 80 mg once daily, but it can go up to 120 mg daily if needed. Doses over 120 mg aren’t recommended. It’s recommended to take InnoPran XL once daily at bedtime. You can take it with or without food, as long as you’re consistent.
Angina
The typical propranolol dosage for angina (chest pain) starts at 80 mg per day. Your prescriber may increase the dose every 3 to 7 days if needed. Most people need 160 mg of propranolol daily to manage chest pain. Doses over 320 mg daily aren’t recommended.
If you’re taking propranolol tablets or solution for chest pain, the dose may be divided into two to four smaller doses throughout the day.
Migraine
The propranolol dosage to prevent migraines starts at 80 mg per day. The ER capsules are taken once daily, while the tablets and solution should be divided into smaller doses throughout the day.
Your prescriber may increase the dosage from there based on your response. Most people take 160 mg to 240 mg of propranolol daily to prevent migraines. But if they haven’t improved after 4 to 6 weeks, it’s best to stop taking propranolol and seek other treatment. In this case, your prescriber will give you directions to slowly stop taking it over time — you shouldn’t stop propranolol abruptly.
Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is a rare heart condition that affects how much blood your heart can pump. The typical propranolol dosage for the oral tablets and solution is 20 mg to 40 mg 3 or 4 times daily (before meals and at bedtime). The usual dosage of propranolol ER capsules for this condition is 80 mg to 160 mg once daily.
Atrial fibrillation
The recommended propranolol dosage for atrial fibrillation is 10 mg to 30 mg taken 3 or 4 times daily (before meals and at bedtime). Only the immediate-release forms of propranolol are approved for this condition.
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
After a heart attack, the recommended propranolol dosage starts at 40 mg, 3 times daily. After 1 month, the dose is increased to 60 mg to 80 mg 3 times daily as needed. Doses over 240 mg per day aren’t recommended. The ER capsules aren’t approved for this condition.
Essential tremor
For essential tremor (involuntary shaking without a known cause), the usual starting propranolol dosage is 40 mg twice daily. Your prescriber can raise the dose from there if needed. Most people take 120 mg of propranolol daily for tremor. But doses up to 320 mg daily are sometimes needed. Only the tablets and solution are approved to treat essential tremor.
Pheochromocytoma
A pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor that grows on the adrenal glands, near the kidneys. Propranolol helps control high blood pressure caused by the tumor. Only the tablets and oral solution are approved for this condition.
The recommended propranolol dosage for this condition is 60 mg daily (divided into smaller doses throughout the day) for 3 days prior to surgery. If the tumor can’t be surgically removed, a smaller propranolol dosage of 30 mg daily in divided doses is recommended.
Performance anxiety
Propranolol is sometimes prescribed to help prevent performance anxiety. But it isn’t FDA approved for this — it’s an off-label use of the medication. This means it doesn’t have an approved dosage. It’s best to follow your prescriber’s instructions if they recommend propranolol for performance anxiety.
What happens if you miss a dose of propranolol?
If you miss a dose of propranolol, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Don’t take an extra dose to make up for one you missed.
Missing several propranolol doses in a row could cause a dangerous spike in your blood pressure. So do your best to avoid missing doses. If you find that you’re missing doses often, consider using a medication reminder app or pill organizer to help you stay on schedule. If you’re taking propranolol tablets or solution, you can also ask your care team about switching to a once-daily ER capsule.
What should you do if you take too much propranolol?
If you accidentally take an extra dose of propranolol by mistake, it’s usually not a serious issue. You may experience more side effects, such as feeling tired, dizzy, or faint. You should start feeling better once the dose wears off.
But a large amount of propranolol can slow your heartbeat and lower your blood pressure to a dangerous level. If you think you or a loved one has taken too much propranolol, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or call a healthcare professional right away. If life-threatening symptoms are present, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
How to save on propranolol
There are ways to save on propranolol, which is available as a brand-name and generic medication.
Propranolol tablets: The price of generic propranolol tablets at certain pharmacies is as low as $7.64 with a free GoodRx discount.
Propranolol oral solution: GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price of generic propranolol oral solution.
Propranolol ER capsules: The price of generic propranolol ER capsules at certain pharmacies is as low as $12.00 with a free GoodRx discount.
Inderal LA: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase a 30-day supply of Inderal LA at an exclusive cash price of $298.80.
InnoPran XL: Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for InnoPran XL using a savings card from the manufacturer.
The bottom line
Propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL) is a beta blocker that treats certain heart problems and other health conditions. The typical propranolol dosage depends on what you’re taking it for.
In most cases, adults take between 80 mg and 240 mg of propranolol daily. You’ll take the extended-release capsules once daily. But propranolol tablets and oral solution are usually divided into several smaller doses throughout the day.
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References
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Innopran XL- propranolol hydrochloride capsule, extended release [package insert].
Braunwald, E., et al. (1964). Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis: I. A description of the disease based upon an analysis of 64 patients. Circulation.
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2019). Propranolol hydrochloride- propranolol hydrochloride capsule, extended release [package insert].
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2020). Propranolol hydrochloride- propranolol hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
Henry Schein, Inc. (2023). Propranolol hydrochloride- propranolol hydrochloride injection [package insert].
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2023). Propranolol hydrochloride- propranolol hydrochloride solution [package insert].
MedlinePlus. (2023). Propranolol (cardiovascular).
National Cancer Institute. (2020). Pheochromocytoma.
RemedyRepack Inc. (2024). Propranolol hydrochloride- propranolol hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
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