What is the pharmacological action of propranolol?
Jun 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the effects of beta receptors, thereby reducing cardiac contractility and heart rate. It exerts effects such as lowering blood pressure, vasodilation, and relieving angina pectoris. It is important to note that when using propranolol, careful attention must be paid to dosage and administration; it should be strictly used according to medical instructions to avoid adverse reactions.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that exerts antihypertensive, vasodilatory, and anti-anginal effects by blocking beta receptors, thereby reducing myocardial contractility and heart rate. The specific mechanisms are as follows:
Propranolol blocks cardiac beta receptors, reducing cardiac excitability and conduction velocity, thus slowing heart rate. By inhibiting the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, propranolol decreases cardiac output and peripheral resistance, leading to lowered blood pressure. Additionally, through inhibition of alpha receptor activity, propranolol relaxes vascular smooth muscle, resulting in vasodilation, increased vascular capacity, reduced peripheral resistance, and consequently lower blood pressure. Furthermore, by reducing myocardial contractility and heart rate, propranolol decreases cardiac load and helps prevent the development of cardiac hypertrophy.
It should be noted that when using propranolol, careful attention must be paid to dosage and administration. The medication should be strictly taken as prescribed to avoid adverse reactions.
