Gastroenterology · Non-selective β-blocker
Propranolol (variceal prophylaxis)
Dose
20–40 mg PO BD; titrate to HR 55–60/min or maximum tolerated dose.
Use
Primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.
Monitoring
HR, BP, tolerance; withhold in refractory ascites with SBP <90 or hyponatraemia <130.
Side effects
- • Fatigue
- • Bradycardia
- • Hypotension
- • Bronchospasm
Related in WardRound
Upper GI Bleed
Protocol · Blatchford / Rockall
Thyroid Storm
Protocol · PTU → iodine → β-blocker + steroid
Phaeochromocytoma Crisis
Protocol · α before β blockade
Thyrotoxicosis
Topic · Endocrinology
Liver Cirrhosis
Topic · Gastroenterology
Thyroid Storm
Topic · Endocrinology
Hyperthyroidism
Topic · Endocrinology
β-Blocker Overdose
Topic · Toxicology
Migraine
Topic · Neurology
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
