How harmful is to intake alcohol and cocaine under propranolol medication?
Patient: My husband is a binge drinker, and now addicted to cocaine.  He has high blood pressure and is taking propranolol.  He has been in 3 detox centers in the last 6 months.  I know mixing these together are harmful but how harmful?  I am just waiting for him to get to his low so he will accept treatment. Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Propranolol is beta blocker. It will cause reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. Alcohol and cocaine, both are CNS depressants (they suppress brain and it's functions). So alcohol and cocaine will also cause hypotension and low pulse rate. So if patient is on propranolol and alcohol and cocaine, chances of hypotension, bradycardia (low pulse rate) and cardiac arrest is more. So better not to take alcohol or cocaine if you are taking propranolol. So counsel your husband to quit alcohol and cocaine because he is taking propranolol. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.