Description:

Propranolol Hydrochloride B.P. 40mg Tablets (by ECL / Ernest Chemists Limited) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent (beta-blocker) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease), cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., supraventricular tachycardia), essential tremor, migraine prophylaxis, and anxiety-related symptoms (e.g., performance anxiety, situational anxiety). It reduces heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure by blocking beta-1 and beta-2 receptors, decreasing myocardial oxygen demand and sympathetic activity. In Ghana (Accra), it is a very common, affordable prescription medication available in pharmacies for cardiovascular conditions, tremor, migraine prevention, and anxiety management.

Prescription: Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by physicians, cardiologists, neurologists, or psychiatrists depending on indication; not OTC due to cardiovascular effects, contraindications, and need for monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Non-Selective Beta-Blocker / Antihypertensive / Antiarrhythmic / Anti-migraine / Anti-tremor Agent.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Propranolol hydrochloride BP – 40 mg. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol, and colorants (tablets are usually pink, round, film-coated, and scored).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Propranolol Hydrochloride 40mg Tablets ECL (standard 40mg strength; common pack sizes 30, 60, or 100 tablets). Related variants: Propranolol 10mg, 40mg, or 80mg tablets (lower/higher doses), Propranolol LA (long-acting/prolonged-release capsules for once-daily dosing), or propranolol oral solution (for paediatric use). The 40mg tablet is a common intermediate dose for hypertension, migraine, tremor, and anxiety.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (dosing varies by indication).

• Hypertension: Starting 40mg twice daily; maintenance 80–320 mg daily (divided doses or long-acting form).
• Angina: 40–80 mg 3 times daily (max 240 mg/day).
• Migraine prophylaxis: 40mg twice daily; increase to 80–160 mg daily if needed.
• Essential tremor: 40mg 2–3 times daily; maintenance up to 120–240 mg/day.
• Anxiety (situational): 10–40mg 1 hour before event.
• Take consistently at the same times each day.
• Do not stop suddenly (risk of rebound hypertension, angina, or tachycardia – taper gradually under medical supervision).
• Regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring required.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Fatigue, tiredness, drowsiness.
• Cold hands/feet (peripheral vasoconstriction).
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Dizziness, light-headedness.
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia, vivid dreams, nightmares).
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort.
• Sexual dysfunction (impotence, decreased libido). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe bradycardia/heart block, bronchospasm (in asthmatics), heart failure worsening, depression, hallucinations, or severe allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 3×10 = 30, 6×10 = 60, or 10×10 = 100 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in uncontrolled heart failure, severe bradycardia (<50–55 bpm), sick sinus syndrome, second/third-degree heart block (without pacemaker), severe asthma/COPD, severe peripheral arterial disease, or hypersensitivity.
• Caution in diabetes (masks hypoglycaemia symptoms), depression history (may worsen), renal/hepatic impairment, or concurrent use of other beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmics.
• Abrupt withdrawal can cause rebound hypertension, angina, or arrhythmias – taper gradually.
• Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms regularly.
• Avoid driving/operating machinery until effects (drowsiness, dizziness) are known.
• If severe dizziness, slow pulse, shortness of breath, wheezing, depression, or unusual mood changes occur, seek medical care immediately.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar propranolol tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic propranolol hydrochloride 40mg tablets (various importers).
• Inderal (original brand by AstraZeneca if stocked).
• Other brands like Propranolol Sandoz or local generics. Alternatives: Other beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol) or non-beta-blocker antihypertensive (amlodipine, losartan) for hypertension; topiramate or propranolol alternatives for migraine/tremor. Consult cardiologist/neurologist in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Ernest Chemists Limited (ECL; Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; produces propranolol tablets as part of its cardiovascular/CNS range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by ECL (headquartered in Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Ernest Chemists Limited/ECL; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local generic product).