Vanessa Lin
Propranolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat various conditions, such as hypertension, migraines, anxiety, and tremors. While it is generally safe for adults and children aged 12 and over, its use during pregnancy requires careful consideration due to potential risks to the fetus.
Propranolol has been used to treat hypertension and other cardiac issues in pregnant women, but it is not commonly prescribed during pregnancy as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, and there is limited data on its use in pregnant women. The available studies suggest adverse effects on fetal growth, but many of these may be attributed to underlying diseases or maternal hypertension.
Propranolol can cross the placenta and may cause neonatal beta-adrenoceptor blockade, leading to neonatal bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoglycaemia. It may also increase the risk of congenital heart defects, cleft lip or palate, and neural tube defects. However, it is important to note that exposure to propranolol during pregnancy is not considered medical grounds for termination.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss the use of propranolol with your doctor. They will help you weigh the potential risks and benefits and explore alternative treatments if necessary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Propranolol's safety classification during pregnancy | US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant. |
| Propranolol's safety classification during breastfeeding | Propranolol is passed into breast milk in small amounts and is not known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies. |
| Propranolol's effects on the fetus | May cause decreased placental perfusion, fetal and neonatal bradycardia, hypoglycemia, intrauterine growth retardation, small placentas, polycythemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypocalcemia. |
| Propranolol's effects on the mother | May cause dizziness, tiredness, cold hands or feet, difficulties sleeping, and nightmares. |
What You'll Learn
- Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug that treats cardiac issues, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines
- Propranolol is categorised as Pregnancy Category C by the US FDA, meaning it could be harmful to the foetus
- Propranolol may cause neonatal weight loss, reduced litter size, slow heart rate, hypoglycaemia, and respiratory depression
- Propranolol may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature birth
- Propranolol is not the first choice for treating hypertension during pregnancy
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug that treats cardiac issues, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines
Propranolol Uses
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that treats cardiac issues, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines. It is also used to treat irregular heartbeats, prevent future heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain caused by angina. Propranolol can further help reduce symptoms of excessive thyroid hormone in the body.
Propranolol in Pregnancy
Propranolol is seldom prescribed during pregnancy as beta-blockers may pose a risk to the developing foetus. The US Food and Drug Administration has categorised it under "Pregnancy Category C", meaning animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, and there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It may be prescribed as a last resort when other medicines do not work, but only if the potential maternal health benefits outweigh the risks.
Propranolol Dosage
Propranolol is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. The dosage depends on the patient's condition and response to treatment. For instance, the recommended dosage for hypertension is 40mg twice a day, while for angina pectoris, it is 80mg-320mg.
Propranolol Side Effects
Propranolol may cause side effects such as slow heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, tiredness, weakness, and sleeping problems. It may also lead to reduced blood flow to the hands and feet, causing them to feel cold.
Precautions
Propranolol should be used with caution in patients with a history of slow heartbeats, severe heart failure, or serious heart conditions. It should also be avoided in babies who weigh less than 4.4 pounds. Additionally, it may interact with other medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and antibiotics, so it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking.
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Propranolol is categorised as Pregnancy Category C by the US FDA, meaning it could be harmful to the foetus
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines. It is categorised as Pregnancy Category C by the US FDA, meaning animal studies have shown that the drug has adverse effects on the foetus, and there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. While gestational hypertension and cardiac issues can make pregnancy risky, taking medication that can harm your baby is not a good idea.
Propranolol has been shown to cause reduced neonatal weight and litter size in animal studies. In humans, this could be interpreted as an increased muscle tone of the uterus and instability in blood flow. Mothers who were given propranolol at the time of labour showed signs of bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypoglycaemia, and/or respiratory depression.
The use of beta-blockers during pregnancy has been associated with intrauterine fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and perinatal mortality. Exposure to any beta-blocker during pregnancy was found to be associated with small for gestational age neonates. In pregnant women with heart disease, high doses of beta-blockers resulted in a five-fold increased risk of a small for gestational age infant, and a two-fold increased risk among those treated with a low dose.
Beta-blockers can also cause neonatal beta-adrenoceptor blockade, leading to neonatal bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoglycaemia. Respiratory distress has also been reported. Due to these risks, it is important to consult your doctor before taking propranolol during pregnancy. They can help you determine if the potential benefits of the drug outweigh the risks for your specific situation.
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Propranolol may cause neonatal weight loss, reduced litter size, slow heart rate, hypoglycaemia, and respiratory depression
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug that is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines. While it is not commonly prescribed during pregnancy, it can be given to pregnant women if the potential benefits are greater than the risks.
Propranolol and neonatal weight loss
An animal study on rats found that giving mothers propranolol during pregnancy led to reduced neonatal weight. However, there is limited data on the effects of propranolol on infant birth weight, and the available data is conflicting. Some studies suggest that propranolol may increase the risk of low birth weight, while others show no association.
Propranolol and reduced litter size
The same animal study on rats also found that propranolol administration during pregnancy resulted in reduced litter size.
Propranolol and slow heart rate
Propranolol can cause a slow heart rate in newborns. This is because propranolol crosses the placenta and can affect the fetus. Mothers who were given propranolol during labor showed signs of bradycardia (slow heart rate).
Propranolol and hypoglycaemia
Beta-blockers, including propranolol, have been associated with hypoglycaemia in newborns. Propranolol inhibits glycogenolysis, which is caused by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Hypoglycaemia, especially if prolonged, can cause severe brain injury in neonates.
Propranolol and respiratory depression
Respiratory distress has been reported in newborns exposed to beta-blockers near term. Mothers who were given propranolol during labor also showed signs of respiratory depression.
In summary, while propranolol may be prescribed during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks, it is important to consider the potential side effects on the fetus and newborn, such as neonatal weight loss, reduced litter size, slow heart rate, hypoglycaemia, and respiratory depression.
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Propranolol may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature birth
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines. It is not commonly prescribed during pregnancy as it can be risky for the fetus.
There is limited data on the use of propranolol in pregnancy. However, some studies suggest that it may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature birth. For instance, an animal study on rats found that giving them propranolol during pregnancy resulted in smaller litter sizes and lower neonatal weight.
In humans, the use of propranolol during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, which can lead to low birth weight. This may be due to increased muscle tone in the uterus and unstable blood flow. Additionally, there is a chance of stillbirth upon the usage of propranolol during pregnancy.
Furthermore, beta-blockers, including propranolol, can cause neonatal beta-adrenoceptor blockade, leading to neonatal bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia. Respiratory distress has also been reported. Therefore, it is advised to assess the neonate for these potential effects.
Overall, while propranolol may offer benefits for pregnant women with certain medical conditions, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks to the fetus, such as low birth weight and premature birth.
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Propranolol is not the first choice for treating hypertension during pregnancy
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, anxiety, and migraines. It is not commonly prescribed during pregnancy as it can be risky for the fetus.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker, a class of drugs that help protect the heart by blocking some hormone effects and reducing heart activity. Beta-blockers are not usually the first choice for treating hypertension. The medicine prescribed depends on age, ethnicity, and other factors.
Propranolol is seldom prescribed during pregnancy since beta-blockers may pose a risk to the developing fetus. The drug may be prescribed as a last resort when other medicines yield no results.
Propranolol is categorised as "Pregnancy Category C" by the US Food and Drug Administration, meaning animal studies have shown that the drug has adverse effects on the fetus, and there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Propranolol has been associated with intrauterine fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and perinatal mortality. It can also cause neonatal hypoglycaemia and bradycardia.
Labetalol, a beta-blocker with alpha-1 blockade, is considered safe for use during pregnancy. It is the recommended beta-blocker of choice for hypertension in pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Propranolol is a beta-blocker drug that is not commonly prescribed during pregnancy as it can be risky for the fetus. It is usually only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Studies have shown that it may cause adverse effects such as intrauterine growth restriction and an increased risk of congenital heart defects.
Common side effects of propranolol on the mother during pregnancy include a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, tiredness, weakness, and sleeping problems.
There is limited data on the effects of propranolol on miscarriage and stillbirth. However, a study found a higher rate of perinatal mortality among women exposed to beta-blockers, which includes propranolol.
Yes, there are alternative treatments that may be safer during pregnancy. For hypertension, lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet can be recommended, as well as medications like methyldopa and labetalol. For migraines, non-pharmacological treatments like acupuncture and relaxation techniques may be effective, along with medications such as acetaminophen and sumatriptan.
Propranolol can cross the placenta and affect fetal development. Studies have shown that it may increase the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and congenital heart defects. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a doctor before taking propranolol during pregnancy.
