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Propranolol
Propranolol Hydrochloride · Injection, Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propranolol Hydrochloride | 1 mg/mL | 856578 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenergic beta-Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 72 members |
| beta-Adrenergic Blocker [EPC] | EPC | All 72 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 075826-001 | PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE | INJECTABLE | PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 7 | Labeling | Approved | November 7, 2007 | — |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | April 3, 2002 | — |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 19, 2002 | — |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 19, 2002 | — |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 19, 2002 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | August 31, 2001 | — |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · April 15, 2003
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251107). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Cardiac Arrhythmias Intravenous administration is usually reserved for life-threatening arrhythmias or those occurring under anesthesia. 1. Supraventricular arrhythmia s Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the short-term treatment of supraventricular tachycardia, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and thyrotoxicosis, to decrease ventricular rate. Use in patients with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation should be reserved for arrythmias unresponsive to standard therapy or when more prolonged control is required. Reversion to normal sinus rhythm has occasionally been observed, predominantly in patients with sinus or atrial tachycardia. 2. Ventricular tachycardias With the exception of those induced by catecholamines or digitalis, propranolol is not the drug of first choice. In critical situations when cardioversion techniques or other drugs are not indicated or are not effective, propranolol may be considered. If, after consideration of the risks involved, propranolol is used, it should be given intravenously in low dosage and very slowly, as the failing heart requires some sympathetic drive for maintenance of myocardial tone (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Some patients may respond with complete reversion to normal sinus rhythm, but reduction in ventricular rate is more likely. Ventricular arrhythmias do not respond to propranolol as predictably as do the supraventricular arrhythmias. Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the treatment of persistent premature ventricular extrasystoles that impair the well-being of the patient and do not respond to conventional measures. 3. Tachyarrhythmias of digitalis intoxication Intravenous propranolol is indicated to control ventricular rate in life-threatening digitalis-induced arrhythmias. Severe bradycardia may occur (see OVERDOSAGE ). 4. Resistant tachyarrhythmias due to excessive catecholamine action during anesthesia Intravenous propranolol is indicated to abolish tachyarrhythmias due to excessive catecholamine action during anesthesia when other measures fail. These arrhythmias may arise because of release of endogenous catecholamines or administration of catecholamines. All general inhalation anesthetics produce some degree of myocardial depression. Therefore, when propranolol is used to treat arrhythmias during anesthesia, it should be used with extreme caution, usually with constant monitoring of the ECG and central venous pressure (see WARNINGS ).
Cardiac Arrhythmias Intravenous administration is usually reserved for life-threatening arrhythmias or those occurring under anesthesia. 1. Supraventricular arrhythmia s Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the short-term treatment of supraventricular tachycardia, including Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and thyrotoxicosis, to decrease ventricular rate. Use in patients with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation should be reserved for arrythmias unresponsive to standard therapy or when more prolonged control is required. Reversion to normal sinus rhythm has occasionally been observed, predominantly in patients with sinus or atrial tachycardia. 2. Ventricular tachycardias With the exception of those induced by catecholamines or digitalis, propranolol is not the drug of first choice. In critical situations when cardioversion techniques or other drugs are not indicated or are not effective, propranolol may be considered. If, after consideration of the risks involved, propranolol is used, it should be given intravenously in low dosage and very slowly, as the failing heart requires some sympathetic drive for maintenance of myocardial tone (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Some patients may respond with complete reversion to normal sinus rhythm, but reduction in ventricular rate is more likely. Ventricular arrhythmias do not respond to propranolol as predictably as do the supraventricular arrhythmias. Intravenous propranolol is indicated for the treatment of persistent premature ventricular extrasys …
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: The usual dose is 1 mg to 3 mg administered under careful monitoring, such as electrocardiographiy and central venous pressure. The rate of administration should not exceed 1 mg (1 mL) per minute to diminish the possibility of lowering blood pressure and causing cardiac standstill. Sufficient time should be allowed for the drug to reach the site of action even when a slow circulation is present. If necessary, a second dose may be given after two minutes. Thereafter, additional drug should not be given in less than four hours. Additional propranolol hydrochloride should not be given when the desired alteration in rate and/or rhythm is achieved. Transfer to oral therapy as soon as possible. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS: Propranolol is contraindicated in 1) cardiogenic shock, 2) sinus bradycardia and greater than first-degree block, 3) bronchial asthma, 4) in patients with known hypersensitivity to propranolol.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be a vital component supporting circulatory function in patients with congestive heart failure, and its inhibition by beta-blockade may precipitate more severe failure. Although beta-blockers should be avoided in overt congestive heart failure, some have been shown to be highly beneficial when used with close follow-up in patients with a history of failure who are well compensated and are receiving additional therapies, including diuretics as needed. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents do not abolish the inotropic action of digitalis on heart muscle. Nonallergic Bronchospasm (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema) In general, patients with bronchospastic lung disease should not receive beta-blockers. Propranolol should be administered with caution in this setting since it may block bronchodilation produced by endogenous and exogenous catecholamine stimulation of beta receptors. Major Surgery The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-blocking therapy prior to major surgery is controversial. It should be noted, however, that the impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli in propranolol-treated patients might augment the risks of general anesthesia and surgical procedures. Propranolol is a competitive inhibitor of beta-receptor agonists, and its effects can be reversed by administration of such agents, e.g., dobutamine or isoproterenol. However, such patients may be subject to protracted severe hypotension. Diabetes and Hypoglycemia Beta-adrenergic blockade may prevent the appearance of certain premonitory signs and symptoms (pulse rate and pressure changes) of acute hypoglycemia, especially in labile insulin-dependent diabetes. In these patients, it may be more difficult to adjust the dosage of insulin. Propranolol therapy, particularly in infants and children, diabetic or not, has been associated with hypoglycemia especially during fasting, as in preparation for surgery. Hypoglycemia has been reported after prolonged physical exertion and in patients with renal insufficiency. Thyrotoxicosis Beta-adrenergic blockade may mask certain clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, abrupt withdrawal of propranolol may be followed by an exacerbation of symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including thyroid storm. Propranolol may change thyroid-function tests, increasing T 4 and reverse T 3 and decreasing T 3 . Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Beta-adrenergic blockade in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and tachycardia has been associated with severe bradycardia requiring treatment with a pacemaker. In one case this resulted after an initial 5 mg dose of intravenous propranolol.
Cardiac Failure Sympathetic stimulation may be a vital component supporting circulatory function in patients with congestive heart failure, and its inhibition by beta-blockade may precipitate more severe failure. Although beta-blockers should be avoided in overt congestive heart failure, some have been shown to be highly beneficial when used with close follow-up in patients with a history of failure who are well compensated and are receiving additional therapies, including diuretics as needed. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents do not abolish the inotropic action of digitalis on heart muscle.
Nonallergic Bronchospasm (e.g., Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema) In general, patients with bronchospastic lung disease should not receive beta-blockers. Propranolol should be administered with caution in this setting since it may block bronchodilation produced by endogenous and exogenous catecholamine stimulation of beta receptors.
Major Surgery The necessity or desirability of withdrawal of beta-blocking therapy prior to major surgery is controversial. It should be noted, however, that the impaired ability of the heart to respond to reflex adrenergic stimuli in propranolol-treated patients might augment the risks of general anesthesia and surgical procedures. Propranolol is a competitive …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. In a series of 225 patients, there were 6 deaths (see CLINICAL STUDIES ). Cardiovascular events (hypotension, congestive heart failure, bradycardia, and heart block) were the most common. The only other event reported by more than one patient was nausea. Other adverse events for intravenous propranolol, reported during postmarketing surveillance include cardiac arrest, dyspnea, and cutaneous ulcers. The following adverse events have been reported with use of formulations of sustained- or immediate-release oral propranolol and may be expected with intravenous propranolol. Cardiovascular Bradycardia; congestive heart failure; intensification of AV block; hypotension; paresthesia of hands; thrombocytopenic purpura; arterial insufficiency, usually of the Raynaud type. Central Nervous System Lightheadedness; mental depression manifested by insomnia; lassitude, weakness, fatigue; reversible mental depression progressing to catatonia; visual disturbances; hallucinations, vivid dreams, an acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation for time and place, short-term memory loss, emotional lability, slightly clouded sensorium, and decreased performance on neuropsychometrics. For immediate-release formulations, fatigue, lethargy, and vivid dreams appear dose-related. Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, mesenteric arterial thrombosis, ischemic colitis. Allergic Pharyngitis and agranulocytosis, erythematous rash, fever combined with aching and sore throat, laryngospasm, and respiratory distress. Respiratory Bronchospasm. Hematologic Agranulocytosis, nonthrombocytopenic purpura, thrombocytopenic purpura. Autoimmune In extremely rare instances, systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported. Miscellaneous Alopecia, LE-like reactions, psoriasiform rashes, dry eyes, male impotence, and Peyronie’s disease have been reported rarely. Oculomucocutaneous reactions involving the skin, serous membranes and conjunctivae reported for a beta-blocker (practolol) have not been associated with propranolol.
Cardiovascular Bradycardia; congestive heart failure; intensification of AV block; hypotension; paresthesia of hands; thrombocytopenic purpura; arterial insufficiency, usually of the Raynaud type.
Central Nervous System Lightheadedness; mental depression manifested by insomnia; lassitude, weakness, fatigue; reversible mental depression progressing to catatonia; visual disturbances; hallucinations, vivid dreams, an acute reversible syndrome characterized by disorientation for time and place, short-term memory loss, emotional lability, slightly clouded sensorium, and decreased performance on neuropsychometrics. For immediate-release formulations, fatigue, lethargy, and vivid dreams appear dose-related.
Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, mesenteric arterial thrombosis, ischemic colitis.
Allergic Pharyngitis and agranulocytosis, erythematous rash, fever combined with aching and sore throat, laryngospasm, and respiratory distress.
Respiratory Bronchospasm.
Hematologic Agranulocytosis, nonthrombocytopenic purpura, thrombocytopenic purpura.
Autoimmune In extremely rare instances, systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported.
Miscellaneous Alopecia, LE-like reactions, psoriasiform rashes, dry eyes, male impotence, and Peyronie’s disease have been reported rarely. Oculomucocutaneous reactions involving the skin, serous membranes and conjunctivae reported for a beta-blocker (practolol) have not been associated with propranolol.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Propranolol hydrochloride is a synthetic beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent chemically described as (+)- 1-(isopropylamino)-3-(1-naphthyloxy)-2-propanol hydrochloride. Its structural formula is: C 16 H 21 NO 2 • HCl M.W. 295.80 Propranolol hydrochloride is a stable, white, crystalline solid which is readily soluble in water and ethanol. Propranolol Hydrochloride Injection, USP is available as a 1 mg/mL sterile injectable solution for intravenous administration. Each mL contains 1 mg of propranolol hydrochloride in Water for Injection. The pH is adjusted to 2.8 to 4.0 with citric acid monohydrate. structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE: Propranolol is not significantly dialyzable. In the event of overdosage or exaggerated response, the following measures should be employed: Hypotension and bradycardia have been reported following propranolol overdose and should be treated appropriately. Glucagon can exert potent inotropic and chronotropic effects and may be particularly useful for the treatment of hypotension or depressed myocardial function after a propranolol overdose. Glucagon should be administered as 50 to 150 mcg/kg intravenously followed by continuous drip of 1 to 5 mg/hour for positive chronotropic effect. Isoproterenol, dopamine, or phosphodiesterase inhibitors may also be useful. Epinephrine, however, may provoke uncontrolled hypertension. Bradycardia can be treated with atropine or isoproterenol. Serious bradycardia may require temporary cardiac pacing. The electrocardiogram, pulse, blood pressure, neurobehavioral status and intake and output balance must be monitored. Isoproterenol and aminophylline may be useful for bronchospasm.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED: Propranolol Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 1 mg per mL is supplied as follows: Product repackaged by: Henry Schein, Inc., Bastian, VA 24314 From Original Manufacturer/Distributor's NDC and Unit of Sale To Henry Schein Repackaged Product NDC and Unit of Sale Total Strength/Total Volume (Concentration) per unit NDC 63323-604-01 Unit of 10 NDC 0404-9999-01 1 1 mL Single Dose Vial in a bag (Vial bears NDC 63323-604-00) 1 mg per mL The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing and excessive heat. www.fresenius-kabi.com/us 45913E Revised: November 2022 Image1.jpg Image2.jpg
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II | August 27, 2014 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | CGMP Deviations: Citations given to API supplier by the Italian Health Agency AIFA for several critical deficiencies which caused a recall of the API lot used to manufacture Propanolo HCl Injection. | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63323-604-01 | 63323-604 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 10 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 TRAY (63323-604-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | September 7, 2001 |
| 51662-1700-1 | 51662-1700 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (51662-1700-1) | September 7, 2001 |
| 0404-9999-01 | 0404-9999 | Henry Schein, Inc. | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 BAG (0404-9999-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | July 15, 2024 |
| 71872-7195-1 | 71872-7195 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 BAG (71872-7195-1) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | January 16, 2020 |
| 84549-604-01 | 84549-604 | ProPharma Distribution | 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (84549-604-01) | December 11, 2025 |
| 63323-604 | 63323-604 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | September 7, 2001 |
| 51662-1700 | 51662-1700 | HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst | — | September 7, 2001 |
| 0404-9999 | 0404-9999 | Henry Schein, Inc. | — | July 15, 2024 |
| 71872-7195 | 71872-7195 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | September 7, 2001 |
| 84549-604 | 84549-604 | ProPharma Distribution | — | September 7, 2001 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.