Who can take propranolol
Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take propranolol. A doctor may prescribe it for children under 12 years old for high blood pressure but it's not licensed for this.
Who may not be able to take propranolol
Propranolol is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take propranolol if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to propranolol or any other medicine
- have low blood pressure
- have a slow heart rate
- have heart failure which is getting worse
- have ever had depression or had thoughts about harming yourself
- have diabetes
- have liver or kidney problems
- have severe blood circulation problems in your limbs (such as Raynaud's), which may make your fingers and toes tingle or turn paler than usual or blue
- have metabolic acidosis, when there is too much acid in your blood
- have lung disease or asthma
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a rare tumour of the adrenal glands (phaeochromocytoma)