Can propranolol treat hemangiomas?

Propranolol is commonly available in formulations such as tablets and injectable solutions. Generally, propranolol is a beta-blocker, and whether it can be used to treat hemangiomas depends on the specific clinical condition. If discomfort occurs, medical advice should be sought promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

For infantile strawberry hemangiomas that are in the rapid growth phase and when there are no contraindications to medication, propranolol may be used under a doctor's guidance. In such cases, the drug can inhibit the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, slow down the growth rate of the hemangioma, and promote lesion regression, making it one of the commonly used clinical treatment options.

However, propranolol is generally not suitable for adult hemangiomas, deep cavernous hemangiomas, or patients with contraindications such as severe heart failure or bronchial asthma. Adult hemangiomas are often already stable, and drug therapy has limited effectiveness; deep hemangiomas are difficult for medications to reach effectively, and administering the drug to patients with contraindications may trigger serious adverse reactions and worsen underlying conditions.

Prior to using propranolol, a comprehensive evaluation by a physician is essential to determine whether the patient meets the indications for use. Dosage and duration of treatment must strictly follow medical instructions—do not adjust the dose or discontinue the medication without authorization. During treatment, regularly monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and changes in the hemangioma. If abnormalities such as irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or hypoglycemia occur, stop the medication immediately and seek medical attention. Extra caution is required when administering propranolol to infants; parents should closely observe their child's response to ensure safe medication use.