Products
Propranolol is approved for the treatment of hemangioma in the form of an oral solution (hemangiol). The drug goes on sale in many countries in November 2014.
Structure and properties
Propranolol (C16H21NO2, 259.34 g/mol) is present in drugs as propranolol hydrochloride, a white powder that is soluble in water. It is a racemate.
Effects
Propranolol (ATC C07AA05) is a nonselective and lipophilic beta-blocker with antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic properties. The effects are due to antagonism at beta-adrenoceptors. The effects in hemangioma are attributed to its local vasoconstrictor, antiangiogenic, and apoptosis-inducing properties.
Indications
For the treatment of proliferative infantile hemangioma (hemangioma).
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Treatment is started cautiously. The solution is administered twice daily with or shortly after food. Once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. There must be an interval of at least 9 hours between the two doses (dosing interval).
Contraindications
Numerous precautions must be observed during use. Full details can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include:
- Bronchitis, bronchiolitis, bronchospasm.
- Sleep disturbances, drowsiness, agitation, nightmares, irritability.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain.
- Feeling cold, decreased blood pressure
- Skin rash
Propranolol can cause hypoglycemia and is therefore administered with food.
