In this blog post, we are going to answer the question, “Does Propranolol cause water retention?”. Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta-blockers which can be used to treat a variety of health conditions.

However, this medicine can cause a number of side effects including water retention. This blog will cover all there is to know about this.

Does Propranolol cause water retention?

Yes, Propranolol does cause water retention. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons behind Propranolol induced weight gain. Many people have also reported decreased urine output because of water retention.

What does research suggest?

Several researchers have investigated the effects of Propranolol on the water removal system of our body. A 1984 study was focused on the weight gain associated with the use of Propranolol.

They started looking for mechanisms through which people gain weight and they actually came up with one. The study indicated that Propranolol tends to retain water in the body that add to those pounds.

Another reason was later determined that Propranolol also slows down fat metabolism which can also result in weight gain. Another study also revealed that Propranolol works by decreasing the amount of water excreted out of the body through urine and it can cause fluid retention.

However, this water retention can affect some people more than others and it can take a drastic turn for people who are suffering from kidney diseases. As we already know that kidneys are the main organs which are responsible for maintaining the balance of fluid in our body.

It removes excess salts and water to keep the body under homeostatic conditions. If kidneys are somehow compromised or they are not performing that well, it means they will not be able to remove the excess fluid effectively.

When you start to take Propranolol while already being renal compromised, it can cause much more pronounced water retention that can become visible on your skin in no time. When this fluid starts to leak in the tissue compartment, it causes edema.

This edema or swelling is most commonly seen in lower extremities. Make sure you inform your healthcare provider about any underlying health condition that you might have. It is also quite important to tell your doctor if you are taking another prescription medication.

Sometimes, two drugs that have the same kind of side effects can make drastic changes in your body when they are used together. Several research studies have indicated that Propranolol induced fluid retention can be controlled by combining Propranolol with Diuretics.

Diuretics are another class of meds that can be used to manage high blood pressure. These meds are specifically used to remove the excess water and sodium from your body.

The most commonly prescribed diuretics are thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics including Lasix (Furosemide). These meds can remove the excess water retained by Propranolol and can manage other possible complications that come with it.

However, Diuretics are associated with some side effects and they may disturb you more than Propranolol. This is exactly why the doses are adjusted when a combination treatment is given.

This way the doses of both of the drugs are decreased and the chances of side effects are minimised. Make sure you strictly stick to your doctor’s recommendations. If you will continue to take your meds properly and avoid any accidental overdoses, then I’m sure this combination will work just fine for you.

How to get rid of Propranolol induced water retention?

There are a few ways that may help you get rid of the excess water from your body. These include:

Talk to your healthcare provider

The first and the most important thing is to talk to your healthcare provider. It is extremely important to make sure that the use of Propranolol is safe for you in the long run. It’s not necessary that every single medication you take works amazingly for you.

There might be a chance that Propranolol is not the right choice of medication for you. If that’s the case, your doctor will simply switch you to another, safer option and your fluid retention will eventually start to fade away.

Refrain from consuming too much table salt

It is absolutely important to make sure that you consume a lesser amount of table salt. Water and salt, both of them work together to maintain your body’s fluid. The excess amount of sodium will cause more water to stay in your body and will decrease your urine output.

Less amount of water can also make your urine acidic, which may burn or cause irritation. This can be dangerous for your heart condition or blood pressure as well and may hinder the efficacy of Propranolol. It can also become problematic for a person with kidney disease.

Make sure you take enough magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral that can play an important role in maintaining your homeostasis. One of the functions of magnesium is to make sure you don’t have excess fluid in your body.

This is why you should make sure that you have enough magnesium in your diet that can help achieve all the functions this mineral is supposed to perform. Magnesium deficiency can also make your Propranolol induced water retention much worse.

Realise the importance of vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also another important vitamin that can significantly help reverse your fluid retention. Many researchers have investigated the physiological functions that are regulated by vitamin B6 and functions that can be affected in the case of Vitamin B6 deficiency.

One of those functions is fluid removal from the body. You can see how one function of our body can be controlled by a lot of factors. These things may not affect a normal individual, because if there is a deficiency of one factor, another factor can help perform the function.

However, if there is some medicine or any disease that affects that specific physiological function, then every single factor counts. Make sure you have enough vitamin B6 in your system. Some natural sources of vitamin B6 are bananas, tuna, walnuts and chickpeas etc.

Add more potassium to your diet

It is important to add potassium to your diet. Potassium is also responsible for a lot of basic physiological functions. Potassium can also help maintain the blood volume.

Whenever it rises, potassium works to remove sodium and water from the body in order to maintain balance. Make sure you add potassium rich foods to your diet. Some natural sources include bananas, spinach, kale, tomatoes, and avocados etc.

Make sure you work exercise and drink plenty of water

Exercise should be an important part of your routine. You should exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Working out can make you sweat. This process can help eliminate water and excessive salt in your body as well.

It not just does that, but it also releases happy chemicals in your brain and elevates your mood. It can also make your body strong enough to fight against common infections.

However, make sure you drink plenty of water as well after working out. If you don’t, it will turn into dehydration real soon and may make you feel worse. Never reduce your water intake. It is a basic need of your body as your body has 70% of water.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have discussed Propranolol induced water retention. Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed beta-blockers which can be used to treat a variety of health conditions. Propranolol does cause water retention.

In fact, this is one of the most common reasons behind Propranolol induced weight gain. Many people have also reported decreased urine output because of water retention.

We have looked at some research studies that helped us understand how Propranolol causes this side effect. We have also discussed some ways to help eliminate the excessive water and salt from your body. Make sure you use Propranolol properly and always stick to your doctor’s recommended dose.

FAQs: Propranolol water retention

Can propranolol make you swell?

Propranolol may cause swelling by retaining water in your body. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons behind Propranolol induced weight gain. Many people have also reported decreased urine output because of water retention. Make sure you inform your healthcare provider if you experience this side effect.

Do beta blockers cause fluid retention?

Yes, beta blockers can cause fluid retention. Studies have revealed that Propranolol works by decreasing the amount of water excreted out of the body through urine and it can cause fluid retention. However, this water retention can affect some people more than others and it can take a drastic turn for people who are suffering from kidney diseases.

What are the most common side effects of propranolol?

The most common side effects of Propranolol include:

Xerostomia or dry mouth
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Flatulence
Acid reflux
Depression
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Abnormal pain
Acid reflux
Flu like symptoms
Skin rash

Does propranolol have a diuretic in it?

No, Propranolol does not have a diuretic effect. In fact, it may cause water retention in your body and make you gain weight. It is extremely important to make sure that the use of Propranolol is safe for you in the long run.

Do you gain weight on propranolol?

Yes, Propranolol may make you gain weight by either increasing the amount of water in your body or by decreasing your body’s ability to burn fat. Make sure you closely monitor your weight while being on Propranolol.

Can you lose weight while on beta blockers?

Yes, you can lose weight on beta blockers if you continue to eat well and make exercise an important part of your routine. Beta-blockers do not cause excessive weight gain. The maximum weight gained because of beta-blockers is around 3-6 kgs, which is not so much.

Does propranolol affect appetite?

Propranolol does not affect your appetite. It can make you gain weight without making you feel hungry all the time. Propranolol can reduce the body’s ability to melt fat. This means that when you’re being treated with Propranolol, your body burns fats slower than usual and this is how you end up having more fat in your body.

References

Propranolol Side Effects https://www.theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/anxiety/guides/propranolol-side-effects#:~:text=Secondly%2C%20Propranolol%20causes%20your%20body,treatment%20(the%2010mg%20tablets).
P C Hayes et al. Lancet. (1984) – Influence of propranolol on weight and salt and water homoeostasis in chronic liver disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6150141/
A Complete Guide to Propranolol Side Effects https://www.forhers.com/blog/a-complete-guide-propranolol-side-effects#:~:text=Insomnia,falling%20%E2%80%94%20and%20staying%E2%80%94asleep.

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Does Propranolol cause water retention? (3+ tips that may help)