Dr. Sameer Awadhiya MBBS , Pediatrics

No, Pilol is not approved for the treatment of insomnia (sleeplessness). Hence you are advised not to take this drug by yourself to induce sleep.

Dr. Amit Singh MBBS , General Physician

Yes. Pilol might help with anxiety. It is prescribed off-label for short-term treatment of anxiety including panic attacks. Pilol may be helpful in managing some symptoms of anxiety.

Dr. Braj Bhushan Ojha BAMS , Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Ayurveda, Sexology, Diabetology

Pilol contains propranolol which is presumed to work through multiple mechanisms. It reduces blood pressure and slows down the fast heartbeat by binding to certain receptors (beta-adrenoceptors) in the smooth muscles of heart which prevents the effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline. It also prevents the release of an enzyme (renin) from the kidneys that helps in decreasing blood pressure because this enzyme plays an important role in the absorption of sodium and water from the kidneys which raises blood volume and increases blood pressure. Pilol also acts on the heart and decreases heart rate which also contributes to decreasing blood pressure and decreasing myocardial (heart) oxygen demand.

Dr. Chirag Bhingradiya MBBS , Pediatrics

Take Pilol 2-3 times a day or as advised by your doctor. It should be taken with protein-rich food because of the presence of protein-rich food increase bioavailability of this drug. Precautions must be taken in a patient with diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, and improper liver or kidney function.

Dr. Roshni Poonja MBBS , General Physician, Internal Medicine

Rarely, Pilol causes hair loss (alopecia). However, the exact cause behind hair loss is unknown but it is presumed that it occurs because of thinning of the hairs which weakens their strength. If you are experiencing excessive hair loss after taking this drug then do discuss it with your doctor.