Calculate pediatric dosages for Propranolol in seconds with our Propranolol pediatric dosing calculator. Input the details, press Calculate Dosage, and get precise Propranolol prescriptions for every child!
Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used for pediatric arrhythmias, migraines, hyperthyroidism symptoms, and infantile hemangioma.
Assess baseline heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose (in infants) prior to initiation; titrate every 3–7 days while monitoring vitals.
Screen for reactive airway disease—beta-2 blockade can precipitate bronchospasm; consider cardioselective alternatives when asthma is uncontrolled.
Give with feeds in infants receiving Hemangeol to reduce hypoglycemia risk and counsel caregivers to hold doses during poor intake or vomiting.
For arrhythmia prophylaxis, coordinate with cardiology to adjust dosing around procedures and monitor QTc for concurrent antiarrhythmics.
Avoid abrupt withdrawal; taper over 1–2 weeks to prevent rebound tachycardia and hypertension.
Monitor for sleep disturbances, mood changes, or exercise intolerance in school-aged children and adolescents on chronic therapy.
Propranolol offers broad autonomic modulation in pediatrics.
Used for arrhythmia, hemangioma, migraine, and hyperthyroid symptoms.
| Condition | Age Range | First Line? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infantile hemangioma requiring systemic therapy | Infants ≥5 weeks postmenstrual age | Yes | Initiate under specialist supervision with monitoring for hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and blood pressure changes. Continue for at least 6 months and reassess skin findings every 1–2 months. |
| Supraventricular tachycardia prophylaxis | Infants, children, and adolescents | Yes | Use for rate control or to prevent recurrent SVT episodes when ablation is deferred. Adjust dosing based on weight and heart rate response. |
| Migraine prevention | Adolescents | Yes | Daily dosing reduces migraine frequency; reassess every 6 months for continued need and taper slowly when discontinuing. |
| Symptomatic hyperthyroidism | Children and adolescents | Yes | Provides rapid heart rate and tremor control while antithyroid therapy takes effect; dose adjustments mirror thyroid status changes. |
FDA-approved primary uses with Level A evidence
+1 more...
Quick selection guides and diagnostic pearls
When to consider other medications
How to explain treatment to families
Propranolol side effects stem from beta blockade and include bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia in infants.
Monitor vitals and glucose especially during initiation and illness.
Bradycardia
Common • moderate
Hypotension
Uncommon • moderate
Hypoglycemia (infants)
Uncommon • serious
Bronchospasm
Rare • serious
Fatigue/drowsiness
Common • mild
Organized by affected organ systems
How to discuss side effects with families
Management protocols and monitoring
Common concerns and practical guidance
Administration guidance for propranolol therapy.
Give at the same times each day with or without food, but stay consistent. For liquid, use the supplied syringe. Avoid abrupt discontinuation without clinician guidance.
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure at home if directed. For infants receiving hemangioma therapy, give doses during daytime after feeding to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
Emergency contact: Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, fainting, very slow heart rate, or signs of low blood sugar (sweating, irritability, lethargy).
Inform all healthcare providers that your child takes propranolol before procedures or new medications.
Different formulations and concentrations
+1 more...
Safe preparation and measuring techniques
Tailored approaches for different ages
Solutions for common challenges
Storage guidelines and safety tips
Expert pearls and evidence-based tips
In hemangiomas, propranolol induces vasoconstriction, inhibits angiogenic signals, and promotes apoptosis of capillary endothelial cells.
Propranolol reduces adrenergic signaling through beta blockade.
Simple explanations and helpful analogies
Receptors, enzymes, and cellular targets
Absorption, metabolism, and elimination
Age-related differences and special populations
Propranolol pearls for pediatric cardiology and dermatology teams.
Highlight monitoring and safety considerations.
Instruct caregivers to hold doses and call for vomiting, poor intake, or respiratory illness in infants.
Check heart rate and blood pressure at initiation, dose changes, and routine follow-up.
Plan a gradual taper over 1-2 weeks when discontinuing to avoid rebound tachycardia.
Core insights every provider should know
+1 more pearls...
Recent updates that change how we practice
Organized by dosing, administration, and safety
How to explain treatments to families
Real-world cases with evidence-based approaches
Key numbers, algorithms, and decision tools
Understanding your child's medication is important. We've created comprehensive guides to help you safely administer Propranolol and monitor your child's response to treatment.
Hold propranolol and contact your clinician. Illness with poor intake increases risk of low blood sugar, especially in infants, so the medicine should be paused until appetite returns.
Yes. Vivid dreams, nightmares, or insomnia can develop because propranolol crosses the blood-brain barrier. Report persistent sleep problems so dosing time or therapy can be adjusted.
Yes. Never stop beta blockers abruptly. Follow the clinician’s taper instructions (usually 1–2 week reduction) to prevent rebound tachycardia and hypertension.
Nonselective beta blockers can worsen bronchospasm. Inform your clinician if your child has asthma or develops new wheezing—the dose may be lowered or switched to a different medication.