Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Published on: June 18, 2020
Propranolol for hemangiomas
Mahmudul Hasan1, Matiur Rahman, Shafiqul Hoque
1Pediatric Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh. t_mh@live.com
Objective:
Hemangiomas are the most common benign soft tissue tumors occurring in 5-10 % of children at around the age of 1 year and of them 10 % are associated with significant morbidity and entail medical attention. In this study, efficacy and adverse effects of the drug propranolol were observed on hemangiomas.
Methods:
Oral propranolol was given to 36 children at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day in three divided doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during the first 3 h of treatment. Treatment was continued at home and the children were re-evaluated at monthly interval. Photographs were taken in pre- and post-treatment phages and changes of hemangiomas were measured with visual analog scale.
Results:
Immediate effects on color and growth were noted in all cases that were especially dramatic in cases of extensive lesions. Clinical evidence of regression was seen within 30 days in all cases and completely regressed within 7 months. Mean duration of treatment was 4.1 months.
Conclusion:
Propranolol had a rapid stabilizing effect leading to early regression of hemangiomas when administered orally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day with good quality safety profile.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
