The Department of Health and Social Care has issued a medicines supply notification for Propranolol 80mg and 160mg modified release capsules.
These products are out of stock. The 80mg until early March 2026 and 160mg until late November 2025 to January 2026.
Actions for prescribers
Prescribers should not initiate patients on Propranolol 80mg or 160mg modified release capsules until the supply issues have resolved.
Where patients have insufficient supplies to last until the re-supply date, clinicians should review the appropriateness of ongoing treatment with propranolol and avoid abrupt withdrawal if the decision is made to stop treatment.
When maintaining treatment, consider appropriateness of switching to immediate release tablets to make up the equivalent daily dosage of the modified release capsules, ensuring the patient:
- is not intolerant to any of the excipients
- can adhere to new dose regimen and increase in tablet load
- is counselled on the change in product and new dosing regimen
- seeks advice from prescriber if they experience loss of efficacy of treatment or side effects.
If the above option is not considered appropriate, establish indication and consider switching patients to an alternative treatment option in line with local/national guidance, or for more complex cases, seek advice from specialists on management options.
ScriptSwitch® messages have been enabled to provide information on this shortage to support primary care.
For detailed information on the shortage, clinicians should refer to the Specialist Pharmacy Service Medicines Shortage Tool for actions required and medicine supply notification document.
