Taking propranolol for haemangiomas

What are the main side effects of propranolol?

Hypoglycaemia

This means low blood sugar levels. The younger a child is the more important it is for them to have a regular intake of sugar.

If your child is being sick, then a drink such as dioralyte can be used as this contains sugar and salt. If your child is able to drink this then it is unlikely that they are at risk of developing low sugar levels but if you are concerned you should seek medical advice.

For babies this means their milk feed, and is the reason why you should ask for medical advice if your baby is unwell and not feeding properly whilst taking this medication.

The most important thing is the regular intake of food or drink that contains sugar in some form and if this supply is stopped then you should ask for advice.

Low heart rate

This medicine has an effect on the heart making it beat slightly slower. This is fine if your child is well.

However in unwell children, especially under 2 years of age, the way they respond to being unwell is to increase their heart rate. If they are taking this medication then they are less able to do this. If your child is unwell you need to ask for medical advice.

Wheezing

In children who wheeze or have asthma, this medicine can make it worse. Make sure the team at Sheffield Children’s hospital know about this. If you are concerned seek medical advice.

Dosage of propranolol

It is important that every time you get a new bottle of propranolol that you check the strength on the front of the bottle.

At the Children’s Hospital Pharmacy you will be given a bottle of 5mg per 5ml of propranolol.

This means that each ml of liquid contains 1 mg of propranolol. We only supply Propranalol to you from Sheffield Children’s Hospital pharmacy, except in exceptional circumstances. We would then arrange this separately if appropriate.