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 from November 2025 to mid/late January 2026.

Actions for prescribers

• Do not initiate propranolol modified-release capsules until the supply issues have resolved.
• Review all affected patients, avoid abrupt withdrawal, and switch to propranolol 40mg and 80mg immediate-release tablets if appropriate, ensuring counselling and adherence.
• Consider alternatives or seek specialist advice if immediate-release tablets are unsuitable.
• See supporting information for details of specialist imports who have sourced unlicensed propranolol 80mg and 160mg modified release capsules.

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 the medicine supply notification document.

This item was updated on 9 January 2026 to reflect stock availability and actions for prescribers.