Propranolol 40 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Preventing migraine attacks; Physical symptoms of anxiety – racing heart, shaking, sweating – including performance anxiety.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.62 to ₹3.46 per tablet across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propranolol Tablets IP 40 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹6.19 | ₹0.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Propal 40 | Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹20.77 | ₹2.08 | 19 October 2026 |
| Inderal 40 | Abbott | 15 | ₹51.55 | ₹3.44 | 19 October 2026 |
| Provanol 40 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹34.38 | ₹3.44 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ciplar 40 | Cipla Ltd | 15 | ₹51.97 | ₹3.46 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Preventing migraine attacks.
- Physical symptoms of anxiety – racing heart, shaking, sweating – including performance anxiety.
- High blood pressure and angina.
- Fast or irregular heartbeats, and the racing heart of an overactive thyroid.
- Essential tremor, and after a heart attack to improve survival.
How to take it
Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food, at the same times each day – plain propranolol 40 mg is usually taken two to three times a day because it wears off within hours, while once-daily long-acting capsules are a different product. For anxiety it is often taken once a day or shortly before a stressful event as your doctor advises. Your doctor may suggest the first dose at bedtime because it can cause dizziness. For heart conditions and blood pressure it is long term; for anxiety it is usually short term. Never stop it suddenly – this can cause a rebound racing heart, high blood pressure or chest pain; your doctor will taper the dose.
Side effects
Common
- Tiredness, dizziness or weakness.
- Cold fingers and toes.
- Nausea, diarrhoea or stomach upset.
- Sleep problems or vivid dreams.
- Slow heartbeat.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Wheezing, tight chest or difficulty breathing – propranolol can trigger asthma; not for people with asthma.
- Breathlessness, swollen ankles or an irregular heartbeat – possible worsening heart failure.
- Fainting or a very slow pulse.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol – it increases propranolol levels and adds to dizziness and low blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding; it is used in pregnancy only when needed and the baby may need monitoring after birth.
Kidney problems
Lower doses may be used in kidney disease; tell your doctor.
Liver problems
Propranolol is cleared by the liver – a lower dose is used in liver disease.
Children
Used in children for some heart conditions and infant haemangiomas under a specialist, with the dose by weight.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take two doses together.
Interactions
- Other heart-rate or blood-pressure medicines – verapamil, diltiazem, digoxin, amlodipine, clonidine – can slow the heart or drop blood pressure too much.
- Asthma inhalers like salbutamol stop working properly; propranolol should not be used in asthma or COPD.
- Diabetes medicines (insulin, glimepiride) – propranolol hides low-sugar warning signs such as a fast heartbeat.
- Painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac reduce its blood-pressure effect.
- Cimetidine, fluoxetine and rizatriptan raise propranolol levels; adrenaline for allergic reactions may work less well.
Frequently asked questions
What is Inderal 40 used for?
Inderal 40 contains propranolol 40 mg, a beta blocker. It is prescribed for migraine prevention, the physical symptoms of anxiety, high blood pressure, angina, fast heartbeats, tremor and an overactive thyroid.
Can I take Inderal 40 for anxiety before an exam or presentation?
Doctors sometimes prescribe a single dose before a stressful event to control shaking and a racing heart. It must be prescribed after checking you do not have asthma or a slow heart rate – do not borrow someone else's tablet.
Inderal 40 vs Inderal LA 40 – what is the difference?
Inderal 40 is a plain tablet taken two to three times a day. Inderal LA is a long-acting once-daily form. They are not interchangeable tablet for tablet, so follow the one your doctor prescribed.
Can I take Ciplar 40 if I have asthma?
No. Propranolol blocks the airways' beta receptors and can trigger a severe asthma attack. Tell your doctor about asthma or COPD so a different medicine can be chosen.
Can I take Inderal with alcohol?
Avoid it. Alcohol raises propranolol levels and together they cause dizziness, low blood pressure and fainting.
Does propranolol cause weight gain or tiredness?
Tiredness, cold hands and slower exercise tolerance are common at first and often improve. Some people gain a little weight. Talk to your doctor if these affect your daily life.
Can I stop Inderal 40 suddenly?
No. Stopping a beta blocker abruptly can cause a rebound racing heart, high blood pressure or chest pain. Your doctor will reduce the dose over a week or two.
How long does propranolol take to prevent migraines?
It can take a few weeks to notice fewer attacks. Keep a headache diary and review with your doctor after two to three months before judging whether it works.
Is Inderal 40 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Propranolol is a Schedule H medicine in India and must be dispensed only against a prescription. It is also on the NPPA price-control list.
Sources
- NHS – How and when to take propranolol (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Side effects of propranolol (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Propranolol (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms