Propranolol is a beta blocker medication prescribed to treat cardiovascular issues, ease anxiety and decrease symptoms such as trembling or shaking. Additionally, it’s sometimes used for treating pheochromocytoma – an adrenal gland tumor.
Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while on propranolol as this could increase its effects and possibly cause side effects.
Propranolol Vs Metoprolol
Similarities
Propranolol and metoprolol are both beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. Both medications work by blocking beta 1 adrenergic receptors in your heart, which lowers both heart rate and force of contractions. Both drugs also decrease thyroid hormone levels by inhibiting monodeiodinase type I activity resulting in reduced peripheral conversion of T4 into T3.
Both medications may be taken with or without food, although protein-rich meals may help increase absorption. It is ideal to take the medicine at the same time every day to ensure consistency and effectiveness; discontinuing medication without consulting your physician could result in serious side effects.
Before beginning Propranolol therapy, it is vital to inform your healthcare provider of all other medications, vitamins, or herbs you are currently taking. This medication has moderate or severe interactions with over 39 different drugs – avoid alcohol and benzodiazepines due to dangerously low heart rates or blood pressure resulting from their combination.
Furthermore, children under the age of 6 should not use this medicine due to possible liver and kidney dysfunction issues that could potentially worsen its side effects; discuss this possibility with your physician prior to using this drug as it could possibly cause hearing problems; anecdotal accounts indicate this side effect may occur, though this likely won’t happen often enough!
Differences
Propranolol is a beta blocker medication prescribed to treat cardiovascular conditions like angina pectoris and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, reduce symptoms such as tremor and palpitations, as well as treat anxiety or panic disorder.
A study that measured propranolol or metoprolol concentration in PM cases where either was detected was performed using UHPLC-DAD-CAD system with two detectors: photodiode array detector and corona charged aerosol detector – metoprolol averaged 0.32 mg/L while 0.76 mg/L was recorded.
The discrepancies could be explained by differences in pharmacology of both drugs. Propranolol may have higher concentrations in the brain due to being more lipophilic; thus increasing its risk of adverse reactions and suicide or drug abuse.
Metoprolol, on the other hand, is a cardioselective beta blocker that specifically affects beta 1 receptors in your heart. When adrenaline is released in response to survival mode, your heart beats faster with more forceful contractions; by inhibiting this hormone’s action, your heart rate and blood pressure decrease, providing relief from stage fright symptoms.
Dosage
Both medications share similar dosage, so there is no greater amount of one than the other prescribed.
Propranolol comes in tablet, capsule and liquid forms; its liquid version may come with a plastic syringe or spoon to measure out your dose; otherwise you should inquire with your pharmacist as this tool must be properly utilized so as to not receive too much or too little medication.
If you’re taking propranolol for anxiety, your physician will prescribe the optimal dosage according to your individual health needs and other considerations. For instance, performance anxiety prevention might necessitate 80 mg taken once daily while for other uses (pheochromocytoma treatment, high blood pressure) 80 mg may suffice.
Propranolol and Metoprolol should generally be safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding; however, it’s a good idea to consult your physician or midwife regarding risks and benefits before becoming pregnant; this includes breast feeding; as small amounts can pass into breast milk.
Both medications don’t belong to the narcotic family and therefore shouldn’t lead to addiction or dependence, yet can still be abused if misused improperly – therefore, it is crucial to always follow your physician’s instructions precisely.
Side effects
Propranolol can be an effective treatment option for various medical conditions; however, some individuals may experience side effects from this medication. Therefore, people should always speak to their physician prior to beginning any new medications – alternative medicines may exist that offer similar results without as severe side effects.
Both drugs may produce low blood sugar and slow heart rates in some individuals when first starting or increasing dosage, although such symptoms are uncommon and usually only appear upon abrupt discontinuance of therapy.
Although symptoms could potentially be serious, their prevalence remains limited.
Propranolol generally does not interact negatively with other medications when taken as prescribed, nor will it have an impact on liver or thyroid function in most individuals.
It should not interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen; people should therefore not combine taking propranolol with any NSAIDs unless directed by their physician to do so.
This medication may cause drowsiness in some individuals and stomach pain in others. For those experiencing discomfort from their medication, try eating small, frequent meals while placing a heating pad against their abdomen for added relief.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking this medication due to limited studies on its effects on fetuses. Speak to your physician if considering pregnancy or breastfeeding for advice.
