propranolol hydrochloride /-pran″əlol/ , a nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, catecholamine-induced cardiac arrhythmias, pheochromocytoma, essential tremor, and migraine headache and for various unlabeled uses such as treatment of anxiety and aggressive behavior. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Asthma, COPD, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, second or third degree heart block, congestive heart failure unless secondary to a tachyarrhythmia treatable with beta-blockers, pregnancy (especially second and third trimester), or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are heart failure, heart block, increased airway resistance, augmentation of hypoglycemic response, GI disturbances, and hypersensitivity reactions. Withdrawal syndrome has been observed in some patients.
