Safety recommendation
It is recommended that the British National Formulary reviews and updates guidance on the use of propranolol in the treatment of anxiety and the advice provided for beta blocker overdose.
Response:
BNF Publications reflect information from a range of sources, including the licensed product information and national guidance. In response to this investigation the information contained in BNF Publications with regard to propranolol for the management of anxiety, and the advice around beta blocker overdose, have been reviewed.
In light of this investigation the side-effects within the propranolol drug monograph have been updated to include the side-effects related to propranolol overdose. This adds to the information already listed about beta-blocker overdose within the monograph.
In addition, within the section on Emergency treatment of poisoning, the information about the management of beta-blocker overdose has been updated in line with TOXBASE recommendations. This is also cross-referenced within the propranolol monograph.
BNF Publications will continue to monitor for emerging guidance, and work with the MHRA, NICE and TOXBASE, to ensure that our content reflects the most up to date recommendations.
Response received on 13 August 2020.