Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Propranolol (brand names Inderal®, Detensol®, Hemangeol®, Innopran®) is a beta-blocker used off label (extra label) to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) in cats, dogs, ferrets, and horses. It has also been used short-term to treat hypertension caused by thyrotoxicosis or pheochromocytoma.
Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be noted outwardly, and laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medication’s effectiveness.
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended amount of time between doses. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Propranolol may cause the following side effects:
Side effects are most common in geriatric pets or those with sudden worsening heart disease. Serious adverse reactions may occur. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving propranolol and contact your veterinarian immediately:
This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Propranolol should NOT BE USED in pets:
Propranolol should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets:
Abruptly stopping this medication may increase the risk of side effects. Its use in pregnant and lactating pets has not been tested; consider using it as a last resort in these cases.
The following medications should be used with caution when given with propranolol:
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Oct 7, 2024.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Language
View All
© 2025 Tantramar Veterinary Hospital. Powered by LifeLearn Veterinary Websites