PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE

78/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC

Propranolol Hydrochloride Adverse Events: High Serious Reaction Rate

140,640 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE

PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. Based on analysis of 140,640 FDA adverse event reports, PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE has a safety score of 78 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE include OFF LABEL USE, DRUG INEFFECTIVE, NAUSEA, HEADACHE, FATIGUE. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Propranolol Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 78 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 140,640 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Fresenius Kabi Usa, Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Off Label Use, Drug Ineffective, Nausea. Of classified reports, 70.3% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. High incidence of serious reactions, including cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

Significant number of drug interactions and overdose reports. Common gastrointestinal and neurological side effects reported. A notable number of mental health-related adverse events, including suicidal ideation and depression.

Patients taking Propranolol Hydrochloride should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Propranolol Hydrochloride can interact with other drugs, leading to adverse effects. Overdose is a common issue, and patients should be monitored closely. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 78/100

Propranolol Hydrochloride received a safety concern score of 78/100 (high concern). This is based on a 70.3% serious event ratio across 68,239 classified reports. The score accounts for 140,640 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

OFF LABEL USE7,261 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE5,332 reports
NAUSEA4,279 reports
HEADACHE3,782 reports
FATIGUE3,750 reports
DIARRHOEA3,120 reports
DIZZINESS3,103 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,837 reports
VOMITING2,650 reports
DYSPNOEA2,561 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE2,488 reports
PAIN2,322 reports
TOXICITY TO VARIOUS AGENTS2,275 reports
ANXIETY2,187 reports
INSOMNIA2,174 reports
FALL2,138 reports
ASTHENIA2,038 reports
SOMNOLENCE1,921 reports
MALAISE1,905 reports
HYPOTENSION1,891 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED1,847 reports
DRUG INTERACTION1,835 reports
COMPLETED SUICIDE1,793 reports
ARTHRALGIA1,776 reports
DEPRESSION1,723 reports
TREMOR1,707 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN1,549 reports
MIGRAINE1,502 reports
PYREXIA1,498 reports
HYPERTENSION1,470 reports
PRURITUS1,431 reports
BRADYCARDIA1,414 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,375 reports
COUGH1,362 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS1,354 reports
RASH1,327 reports
OVERDOSE1,294 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE1,272 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED1,261 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE1,257 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL1,251 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION1,199 reports
DEATH1,190 reports
PNEUMONIA1,176 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED1,171 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED1,145 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY1,099 reports
CONSTIPATION1,076 reports
SUICIDAL IDEATION1,073 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE FOR UNAPPROVED INDICATION1,031 reports
CARDIAC ARREST1,024 reports
INTENTIONAL OVERDOSE1,016 reports
MYALGIA1,005 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER983 reports
CHEST PAIN970 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY967 reports
PRODUCT ADMINISTERED TO PATIENT OF INAPPROPRIATE AGE965 reports
PALPITATIONS964 reports
PARAESTHESIA961 reports
BACK PAIN949 reports
VISION BLURRED947 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE916 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY892 reports
TACHYCARDIA875 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE872 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS867 reports
ANAEMIA866 reports
COMA850 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS848 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT840 reports
CARDIO RESPIRATORY ARREST827 reports
SYNCOPE821 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY812 reports
SEIZURE803 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION803 reports
SLEEP DISORDER796 reports
NIGHTMARE767 reports
CHILLS747 reports
ALOPECIA743 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA710 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT709 reports
COVID 19685 reports
ILLNESS685 reports
AGITATION672 reports
HALLUCINATION665 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL659 reports
HYPOGLYCAEMIA658 reports
ERYTHEMA649 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED646 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING642 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS641 reports
SEPSIS636 reports
DEHYDRATION616 reports
SUICIDE ATTEMPT612 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN610 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT606 reports
RENAL FAILURE604 reports
SEDATION604 reports
NEPHROLITHIASIS584 reports
TINNITUS579 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • High rate of serious adverse events (70.3%)
  • Multiple reports of drug interactions and overdose
  • Significant mental health-related adverse events, including suicidal ideation and depression

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 41,047, Male: 20,501, Unknown: 201. The most frequently reported age groups are age 53 (1,049 reports), age 50 (963 reports), age 64 (925 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 68,239 classified reports for PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE:

  • Serious: 48,000 reports (70.3%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 20,239 reports (29.7%)
Serious 70.3%Non-Serious 29.7%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female41,047 (66.5%)
Male20,501 (33.2%)
Unknown201 (0.3%)

Reports by Age

Age 531,049 reports
Age 50963 reports
Age 64925 reports
Age 63881 reports
Age 56880 reports
Age 54873 reports
Age 60859 reports
Age 57853 reports
Age 51852 reports
Age 65830 reports
Age 58820 reports
Age 61808 reports
Age 71807 reports
Age 52801 reports
Age 62768 reports
Age 66758 reports
Age 67758 reports
Age 59750 reports
Age 41744 reports
Age 47742 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Propranolol Hydrochloride can interact with other drugs, leading to adverse effects. Overdose is a common issue, and patients should be monitored closely.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Propranolol Hydrochloride, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include off label use, drug ineffective, nausea, headache, fatigue. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for serious cardiovascular and respiratory issues, especially in elderly patients. Be cautious with drug interactions and avoid concurrent use of other beta-blockers or similar medications. Report any mental health issues, including suicidal ideation, to healthcare providers immediately. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

Regulatory oversight is ongoing, with a focus on monitoring serious adverse events and drug interactions. Patients should report any adverse reactions promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Propranolol Hydrochloride?

The FDA has received approximately 140,640 adverse event reports associated with Propranolol Hydrochloride. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Propranolol Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Propranolol Hydrochloride include Off Label Use, Drug Ineffective, Nausea, Headache, Fatigue. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Off Label Use (7,261 reports), Drug Ineffective (5,332 reports), Nausea (4,279 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Propranolol Hydrochloride.

What percentage of Propranolol Hydrochloride adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 68,239 classified reports, 48,000 (70.3%) were classified as serious and 20,239 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Propranolol Hydrochloride (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Propranolol Hydrochloride break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 41,047, Male: 20,501, Unknown: 201. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Propranolol Hydrochloride?

The most frequently reported age groups for Propranolol Hydrochloride adverse events are: age 53: 1,049 reports, age 50: 963 reports, age 64: 925 reports, age 63: 881 reports, age 56: 880 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Propranolol Hydrochloride?

The primary manufacturer associated with Propranolol Hydrochloride adverse event reports is Fresenius Kabi Usa, Llc. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Propranolol Hydrochloride?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Propranolol Hydrochloride include: Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Product Use In Unapproved Indication, Vomiting, Dyspnoea. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Propranolol Hydrochloride?

You can report adverse events from Propranolol Hydrochloride to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Propranolol Hydrochloride's safety score and what does it mean?

Propranolol Hydrochloride has a safety concern score of 78 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. High incidence of serious reactions, including cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

What are the key safety signals for Propranolol Hydrochloride?

Key safety signals identified in Propranolol Hydrochloride's adverse event data include: High rate of serious adverse events (70.3%). Multiple reports of drug interactions and overdose. Significant mental health-related adverse events, including suicidal ideation and depression. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Propranolol Hydrochloride interact with other drugs?

Propranolol Hydrochloride can interact with other drugs, leading to adverse effects. Overdose is a common issue, and patients should be monitored closely. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Propranolol Hydrochloride.

What should patients know before taking Propranolol Hydrochloride?

Monitor for serious cardiovascular and respiratory issues, especially in elderly patients. Be cautious with drug interactions and avoid concurrent use of other beta-blockers or similar medications. Report any mental health issues, including suicidal ideation, to healthcare providers immediately.

Are Propranolol Hydrochloride side effects well-documented?

Propranolol Hydrochloride has 140,640 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Significant number of drug interactions and overdose reports. The volume of reports for Propranolol Hydrochloride reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Propranolol Hydrochloride?

Regulatory oversight is ongoing, with a focus on monitoring serious adverse events and drug interactions. Patients should report any adverse reactions promptly. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to PROPRANOLOL HYDROCHLORIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

MetoprololAtenololLabetalolPropranololTimolol
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.