skip to main content

Propranolol in asthma — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory TherapeuticsPropranolol in asthmaGPhC CRA

A 33-year-old woman is prescribed propranolol 40mg twice daily for migraine prevention. Her PMR shows salbutamol inhaler and beclometasone inhaler for asthma, with two oral steroid courses in the last year. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Query propranolol because non-selective beta-blockers can worsen asthma

Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker and can cause bronchospasm or reduce response to beta2 agonists in patients with asthma. Her history suggests clinically relevant asthma, so the prescription should be queried. Inhaled corticosteroids do not remove the bronchospasm risk. Timolol eye drops are also beta-blockers and can have systemic respiratory effects.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Migraine