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Current Shortage Status: MSN/2025/059
Propranolol modified-release capsules are subject to an active Medicine Supply Notification from the Department of Health and Social Care. The notification reference is MSN/2025/059, covering:
- Propranolol hydrochloride 80mg modified-release capsules
- Propranolol hydrochloride 160mg modified-release capsules
DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications are issued when a product is expected to be in short supply for a significant period. Pharmacies and prescribers are notified so they can manage patient care proactively. The notification for propranolol MR has remained active through early 2026, indicating that supply has not fully recovered.
/2025
/059
What Is Propranolol and Who Takes It?
Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker — a class of medicine that works by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the heart and blood vessels. It has been used in the UK for over 50 years and is prescribed for a wide range of conditions.
Common uses of propranolol
| Condition | How propranolol helps |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure (hypertension) | Reduces heart rate and cardiac output |
| Angina | Reduces the heart's oxygen demand |
| Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) | Slows and steadies heart rate |
| Anxiety and performance anxiety | Blocks physical symptoms (tremor, palpitations) |
| Essential tremor | Reduces involuntary shaking |
| Migraine prevention | Reduces frequency and severity of migraines |
| Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) | Controls heart rate while awaiting definitive treatment |
| Portal hypertension (liver disease) | Reduces pressure in hepatic portal system |
This wide range of uses means the shortage affects a diverse group of patients — from those managing heart conditions to people using propranolol for anxiety or migraine prevention. Each situation is different, which is why individual medical advice is essential before making any change.
Modified-Release vs Immediate-Release: The Key Differences
Understanding the difference between propranolol formulations is critical to understanding this shortage — and what you can do about it.
Immediate-release (IR) propranolol tablets
Standard propranolol tablets release the drug quickly into the bloodstream. Because propranolol has a short half-life (around 3–6 hours), IR tablets typically need to be taken two to four times per day to maintain consistent blood levels. These tablets are available in 10mg, 40mg, 80mg, and 160mg strengths. IR tablets are NOT affected by MSN/2025/059 and remain generally available.
Modified-release (MR) propranolol capsules
Modified-release (also called sustained-release, SR, slow-release, or extended-release) propranolol capsules use a special coating or bead technology to release the drug slowly over 24 hours. This means patients only need to take the medicine once daily, which improves adherence. The 80mg and 160mg MR capsules are the formulations in shortage.
Why is the switch not always straightforward?
While switching from propranolol MR to IR is often clinically possible, there are important considerations:
- The dose may need adjusting — the total daily dose in IR tablets may differ from the MR dose
- Blood pressure or heart rate may behave differently with the altered release profile
- Taking tablets multiple times a day can affect adherence for some patients
- For some conditions (e.g., portal hypertension management), the sustained release profile may be clinically important
Your GP will be able to advise whether a switch is appropriate for your specific condition and prescribe the right IR dose if it is.
Why Is Propranolol MR In Shortage?
Several interconnected factors have driven the shortage of propranolol modified-release capsules in the UK:
1. Manufacturing complexity of MR formulations
Modified-release drug technology — whether based on matrix tablets, coated pellets, or other controlled-release systems — is significantly more complex to manufacture than standard immediate-release tablets. The process requires specialist equipment, tightly controlled environments, and more complex quality assurance testing. This means fewer manufacturers are capable of producing MR formulations to the required standard.
2. Single-supplier dependency
The UK market for propranolol MR capsules has historically relied on a small number of manufacturers. When the principal supplier experiences manufacturing problems — whether due to equipment failures, regulatory actions, raw material issues, or quality concerns — there are few alternative sources to draw on. This structural vulnerability is common across the generic medicines market, where thin profit margins deter new market entrants.
3. Low commercial priority
Propranolol is a generic medicine that has been available for decades. Its price has fallen substantially over time, meaning profit margins are very thin. When manufacturing capacity is limited, pharmaceutical companies naturally prioritise higher-margin products. Propranolol MR's relatively low commercial value makes it vulnerable when any disruption occurs — rebuilding supply quickly is not as financially rewarding as for premium medicines.
4. Global supply chain pressures
Like many medicines, propranolol MR relies on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) sourced from overseas — predominantly from manufacturers in India and China. Disruptions in these supply chains, whether due to regulatory actions, logistics problems, or geopolitical factors, can cause or prolong shortages in the UK.
5. Increased demand
The period since the COVID-19 pandemic has seen increased prescribing of medicines for anxiety, cardiovascular conditions, and essential tremor — all conditions for which propranolol is commonly prescribed. Higher demand compounds any supply constraint.
Bedranol SR: The Branded Version — Also Affected
Bedranol SR is a branded modified-release propranolol product that is subject to the same shortage as generic propranolol MR capsules. If you have been prescribed Bedranol SR 80mg or 160mg capsules, you are affected by MSN/2025/059.
It is worth understanding that "Bedranol SR" and "propranolol hydrochloride 80mg/160mg MR capsules" are pharmacologically identical — Bedranol SR is simply a branded version of the same formulation. The shortage is product-wide, meaning there is no branded alternative that avoids the supply problem.
What Patients Should Do Right Now
If you take propranolol 80mg or 160mg MR capsules (or Bedranol SR), do not wait until you run out of medication. Act now to avoid running into supply problems.
- Contact your GP surgery as soon as possible to discuss your current propranolol prescription
- Do not stop taking propranolol suddenly — abrupt discontinuation of beta-blockers can cause rebound hypertension, angina, or arrhythmia
- Ask your GP whether a switch to immediate-release propranolol tablets is appropriate for your condition
- Ask your pharmacist to check stock before presenting your prescription — call ahead to avoid wasted trips
- If your pharmacist cannot source your medication, ask them to contact the medicines supply helpline or check with other local pharmacies
- Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified as soon as propranolol MR supply improves
- If your GP considers an alternative beta-blocker, discuss the transition carefully — different beta-blockers have different properties
What your GP can do
Your GP has several options to manage your care during this shortage:
- Switch to IR propranolol: Prescribe immediate-release propranolol at an equivalent total daily dose, divided across the day
- Switch to an alternative beta-blocker: Bisoprolol, atenolol, or metoprolol may be suitable depending on your condition
- Continue and wait: If you have remaining stock or a pharmacy can source supply, you may be able to wait for supply to normalise
Alternative Beta-Blockers
If switching to immediate-release propranolol is not appropriate, your GP may consider an alternative beta-blocker. The choice depends on your underlying condition and individual factors.
| Beta-blocker | Type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propranolol IR tablets | Non-selective | All propranolol indications | Same drug, taken more frequently. Usually first choice during shortage. |
| Bisoprolol | Selective (β1) | Hypertension, heart failure, angina, arrhythmia | Once daily. Well tolerated. Not appropriate for tremor, anxiety, or migraine. |
| Atenolol | Selective (β1) | Hypertension, angina, arrhythmia | Once or twice daily. Established choice for cardiovascular indications. |
| Metoprolol | Selective (β1) | Hypertension, angina, heart failure | Available in MR form. Good alternative if a cardioselective beta-blocker is preferred. |
| Carvedilol | Non-selective + alpha blocker | Heart failure, hypertension | Twice daily. Used especially in heart failure. |
Special considerations by condition
Anxiety and performance anxiety: Selective beta-blockers like bisoprolol and atenolol do not cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as propranolol and may be less effective for anxiety symptoms. Immediate-release propranolol is usually the preferred alternative here.
Essential tremor: Propranolol is first-line for essential tremor. Selective beta-blockers are less effective. Your GP may consider primidone as an alternative if propranolol IR is also unsuitable.
Migraine prevention: Propranolol and metoprolol are the beta-blockers with the strongest evidence base for migraine prevention. If you use propranolol specifically for migraines, discuss alternatives including topiramate or amitriptyline with your GP.
Portal hypertension: The dose of propranolol for portal hypertension (variceal bleeding prevention) is carefully titrated. Any switch must be managed by your hepatology team, not your GP alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Propranolol 80mg and 160mg modified-release (MR) capsules are in active shortage in the UK under DHSC Medicine Supply Notification MSN/2025/059. This applies to both generic propranolol MR capsules and the branded equivalent, Bedranol SR.
Importantly, immediate-release propranolol tablets (available in 10mg, 40mg, 80mg, and 160mg strengths) are NOT currently subject to this shortage notification and remain generally available. If you take propranolol MR capsules, contact your GP to discuss your options.
The shortage of propranolol modified-release capsules is driven by a combination of manufacturing difficulties at the principal UK supplier and the limited number of manufacturers globally capable of producing the MR formulation.
Modified-release capsule technology is more complex to manufacture than standard tablets, requiring specialist equipment and tightly controlled processes. The UK generic medicines market operates on thin margins, which limits the number of manufacturers for older drugs like propranolol. When the main supplier encounters problems — whether due to equipment issues, regulatory requirements, or raw material availability — there are few alternatives to draw on quickly.
The most common switch during this shortage is from propranolol MR capsules to immediate-release propranolol tablets. These contain the same drug and work in the same way — the difference is that IR tablets need to be taken two or three times daily rather than once. Your GP will determine the appropriate total daily dose and dosing schedule.
If IR propranolol is not suitable (for example, due to adherence concerns or specific clinical indications), your GP may consider an alternative beta-blocker such as bisoprolol, atenolol, or metoprolol. The right choice depends on your condition — do not switch medicines without medical advice.
No confirmed resolution date has been published by the DHSC for MSN/2025/059. Medicine Supply Notifications can remain active for weeks to several months depending on the nature of the manufacturing issue and how long it takes to either restore production or qualify alternative suppliers.
MediWatch monitors this situation daily and will update this page — and send alerts to subscribers — as soon as supply improves. Sign up for free propranolol shortage alerts →
Yes. Bedranol SR is a branded version of propranolol modified-release and is affected by the same shortage (MSN/2025/059). Bedranol SR and generic propranolol MR capsules are the same formulation — the shortage covers all versions of propranolol modified-release capsules, branded or generic.
No. You should not stop taking propranolol suddenly without medical advice. Abrupt withdrawal of beta-blockers can cause rebound effects including increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, worsening angina, and in some cases, irregular heartbeat. If you are struggling to obtain your propranolol MR capsules, contact your GP urgently so they can manage a safe transition to an alternative.
Related Medicine Shortages
Other medicines commonly affected by supply issues in the UK:
Propranolol shortage tracker
Live availability data for all propranolol formulations
Bedranol SR shortage tracker
Branded propranolol MR — live supply status
Bisoprolol availability
Check supply of the most common alternative beta-blocker
Ramipril shortage
Another commonly prescribed cardiovascular medicine with supply issues
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Sign up free →Page last updated: 1 March 2026. Data checked daily.