Adverse reactions to propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent in hypertensive patients--a collaborative study.

ABSTRACT

Propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent, although prescribed frequently, has not been monitored for its adverse reactions in Indian population. A collaborative ADR monitoring study was planned in 2661 hypertensive patients. Exclusion criteria were associated circulatory insufficiency, heart block, left ventricular failure, diabetic mellitus and airway obstruction. The incidence of ADR was 2.1%, which is lower than reported incidence of 8.7 to 43.7 percent in other studies. This could be attributed to improper selection of patients, differences in methodology of monitoring, or to racial variation. In the present study ADR of fatigue (1.1%), dizziness (0.4%) and headache (0.2%) constituted the bulk. Additional reaction of pain in chest (0.2%), heart block (0.1%), hypoglycemia (0.1%), loss of libido (0.1%) and shock (0.03%), were also observed.