18 September 2026 · The Pharmacist
Review sought for propranolol safety information in anxiety
Medical and pharmacy professional bodies have called for an official review into the safety information provided for propranolol, following patient safety concerns linked to its use in generalised anxiety. The primary focus of the intervention relates to the potential risks of toxicity, overdose, self-harm and suicide associated with the beta-blocker when prescribed for anxiety indications.
The request has been submitted directly to the UK medicines watchdog by the medicines safety joint working group, which represents both the Royal College of Pharmacy and the Royal College of Physicians. The joint working group is urging the regulator to evaluate current product safety warnings and information to ensure the risks of overdose and deliberate self-harm are clearly addressed for healthcare professionals and patients.
Further details regarding the submission, including any specific proposed amendments to prescribing information, have not yet been published, and a formal response from the UK medicines regulator remains awaited. The move reflects professional concern regarding the balance of risk in anxiety management.
UK online pharmacies and clinical services may need to monitor regulatory outputs closely and prepare to review anxiety prescribing protocols if updated propranolol safety advice is issued.