AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Expert: Mary E Scott, RPh, CGP Date: 4/1/2008 Subject: propranolol and increase of blood sugar
Question sir, I have read in internet that propranolol -beta blocker can raise blood sugar even than calciam chanel blocker..is it true?
Answer Hi,Kumar,
Propranolol can raise blood sugar, but I have not seen much evidence of this. It is listed by the manufacturer as a side-effect,but hypoglycemia is also listed.
Propranolol is not recommended for use in diabetics because it can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which can be dangerous. Such symptoms would be trembling,sweating,etc. If these symptoms are blocked, the blood sugar could be really low and you wouldn't know it,and you could lose consciousness,etc
Hope this helps, Mary
