In the pharmaceutical industry, Propranolol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view its use during pregnancy as “Category C” (using old FDA nomenclature), meaning it is generally reserved for situations where the maternal benefit clearly outweighs the potential fetal risks.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, where you likely manufacture 10 mg, 40 mg, and Sustained-Release (SR) versions, providing this balanced clinical perspective is vital for your firm’s authority on digital B2B platforms.

Clinical Indications in Pregnancy

Propranolol is typically only used during pregnancy to manage specific, high-priority conditions:

• Maternal Hyperthyroidism: Specifically for managing “thyroid storm” or severe symptoms of Graves’ disease.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias: Controlling maternal heart rate in cases of supraventricular tachycardia.

• Migraine Prophylaxis: Used only when other safer options have failed and the migraines are debilitating.

• Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Managing specific structural heart issues in the mother.

Technical Risks: The “Fetal Growth” Profile

While not considered a major teratogen (it doesn’t typically cause birth defects), Propranolol has specific physiological effects on the fetus:

[Image showing Propranolol crossing the placenta and affecting fetal beta-receptors]

IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction): Long-term use in the second and third trimesters is associated with “small for gestational age” infants, as beta-blockers can decrease placental blood flow.

Neonatal Hypoglycemia: The drug crosses the placenta and can interfere with the newborn’s ability to maintain blood sugar levels immediately after birth.

Neonatal Bradycardia: The infant may be born with a slowed heart rate or respiratory depression, requiring monitoring for 24–48 hours post-delivery.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Strategy”

• The “Labetalol” Alternative: As your partner, I should note that for pregnancy-induced hypertension, clinical guidelines (including those in India for 2026) technically prefer Labetalol or Methyldopa, as they have more robust safety data for fetal growth.

• Tapering Near Term: If used for migraines, clinicians often suggest tapering the dose as the due date approaches to minimize the “beta-blockade” effect on the newborn.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

• The “SR” Advantage: On your marketplace, highlight your Sustained-Release (SR) formulations. These provide smoother plasma levels, which may reduce the “peaks” of drug exposure to the fetus compared to immediate-release tablets.

• Stability for Export: Propranolol is stable but sensitive to light. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging is essential for maintaining a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

• Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international cardiovascular and endocrine health tenders.