Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE): An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

James Downar, Julie Lapenskie, Salmaan Kanji, Irene Watpool, Jessica Haines, Uzma Saeed, Rebecca Porteous, Nadia Polskaia, Lisa Burry, Shuhira Himed, Koby Anderson, Alison Fox-Robichaud

February 2025 Crit Care Med

Synopsis of Social media discussions

Several discussions include words of praise like 'Nice work' and expressions of anticipation for research shows, indicating that participants view the study as important and promising. The tone and choice of words suggest excitement about the potential for propranolol to decrease sedative use, and references to upcoming conferences and future trials highlight perceived significance and relevance of the research to clinical practice.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Many posts express support or positive acknowledgment of the research, such as phrases like 'Nice work' and 'propranolol for the win,' indicating general agreement with the potential benefits highlighted in the publication.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

The discussions demonstrate high interest, with multiple posts sharing excitement for upcoming research presentations and findings, reflecting curiosity about the implications of the study.

E
Engagement
 High engagement

The social discussions show deep engagement, as posters reference specific trial outcomes, suggest clinical relevance, and highlight related ongoing research, signaling thoughtful consideration.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

Participants perceive the publication as having moderate impact, pointing out potential shifts in clinical practice and the importance of the findings, though some posts remain optimistic rather than definitive.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Twitter

29 Posts

Metrics

Video Views

2,390

Total Likes

121

Extended Reach

161,689

Social Features

31

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

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Propranolol as a Sedative-Reducing Strategy in Critical Care

The PROACTIVE trial tested whether propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, can reduce sedative needs in ventilated critically ill patients, showing significant reductions without increased adverse events, potentially conserving sedative supplies during shortages.

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August 21, 2025

1,856 views

Propranolol as an Alternative to Sedatives in Critical Care Patients

Propranolol as an Alternative to Sedatives in Critical Care Patients

This study tested whether propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, could reduce sedative requirements for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Results indicate it effectively decreases sedative use without increased risks, offering a cost-effective alternative during drug shortages.

SCCM

February 18, 2025

534 views

  • ISCCM
    @isccmnational (Twitter)

    Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically III Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE): An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial #isccm #esicm
    view full post

    October 17, 2025

  • ISCCM
    @isccmnational (Twitter)

    Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically III Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE): An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial #isccm #esicm #webinar
    view full post

    October 14, 2025

  • María Frade
    @MariaFrade77 (Twitter)

    RT @icurehab: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROAC…
    view full post

    July 21, 2025

    3

  • ICUsteps
    @ICUsteps (Twitter)

    RT @icurehab: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROAC…
    view full post

    July 20, 2025

    3

  • Dale Needham, MD, PhD
    @DrDaleNeedham (Twitter)

    RT @icurehab: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROAC…
    view full post

    July 18, 2025

    3

  • Hopkins ICU Rehab
    @icurehab (Twitter)

    Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE): An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial https://t.co/pmKboQ5dud #icurehab #A2Fbundle
    view full post

    July 18, 2025

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    3

  • Dr.SGanta@PharmD
    @SaiduluGanta (Twitter)

    RT @gdomeni: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/VVKbSfVKMY.
    view full post

    May 18, 2025

    6

  • Jerónimo Xavier Cassanello
    @xass76 (Twitter)

    RT @gdomeni: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/VVKbSfVKMY.
    view full post

    May 17, 2025

    6

  • Neuro Criticos
    @neurointensivos (Twitter)

    RT @gdomeni: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/VVKbSfVKMY.
    view full post

    May 17, 2025

    6

  • rafael mello galliez
    @RafaelGalliez (Twitter)

    RT @gdomeni: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/VVKbSfVKMY.
    view full post

    May 17, 2025

    6

  • Gustavo Domeniconi
    @gdomeni (Twitter)

    Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/VVKbSfVKMY.
    view full post

    May 17, 2025

    23

    6

  • SCCM Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section
    @SCCM_CPP (Twitter)

    #CPPPLU Highlights
    view full post

    May 9, 2025

    2

    1

  • 北海道大学病院　救急科
    @hokudai_qq (Twitter)

    プロプラノール投与で、鎮静薬の減量が可能か？ →明らかな有害事象の増加なしに、有意な鎮静薬の減量が可能であった。 （非盲検、3施設RCT、解析対象29人vs28人） 若年の方などで、鎮静に難渋する場合にはプロプラノールの投与を検討する価値はあるかもしれませんね。 https://t.co/CS6mq4mD5g
    view full post

    April 27, 2025

    2

  • SCCM Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section
    @SCCM_CPP (Twitter)

    @SCCM @memorialhermann @NEJM @UMMC #SCCMJC #PharmICU Presenter 3: Angela Castro, PharmD PGY2 CC Resident @UCSDHealth Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE) @CritCareMed https://t.co/wFYGQAutGV
    view full post

    March 20, 2025

    1

  • SCCM Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section
    @SCCM_CPP (Twitter)

    @SCCM @memorialhermann @NEJM @UMMC #SCCMJC #PharmICU Presenter 3: Angela Castro, PharmD PGY2 CC Resident @UCSDHealth Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives for Critically Ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation (PROACTIVE) @CritCareMed https://t.co/wFYGQAtVRn
    view full post

    March 14, 2025

  • ゴルゴサッティーンゴ
    @sattiy (Twitter)

    RT @pinacol: 【RCT】高用量の鎮静薬を要する人工呼吸器を装着した麻痺のない患者へのプロプラノロールの経腸投与は、通常のケアのみと比較して、鎮静薬の投与量を減少させた。 #ペ読 https://t.co/bpR3Ec6Fke
    view full post

    March 9, 2025

    1

  • pinacol
    @pinacol (Twitter)

    【RCT】高用量の鎮静薬を要する人工呼吸器を装着した麻痺のない患者へのプロプラノロールの経腸投与は、通常のケアのみと比較して、鎮静薬の投与量を減少させた。 #ペ読 https://t.co/bpR3Ec6Fke
    view full post

    March 1, 2025

    1

    1

  • 薄氷を履む
    @_out_on_a_limb2 (Twitter)

    RT @lessismoreicu: 高用量鎮静薬を要するレスピ患者で、プロプラノロール20～60mgの6時間毎の漸増投与は、鎮静薬必要性を低下させて目標鎮静を達成し、安価で、限られた鎮静薬の供給量を維持するのに役立つ可能性あり、というRCT。 有害事象のリスクは明らかな増加…
    view full post

    February 28, 2025

    5

  • happy anesth
    @kmyk08315265 (Twitter)

    RT @lessismoreicu: 高用量鎮静薬を要するレスピ患者で、プロプラノロール20～60mgの6時間毎の漸増投与は、鎮静薬必要性を低下させて目標鎮静を達成し、安価で、限られた鎮静薬の供給量を維持するのに役立つ可能性あり、というRCT。 有害事象のリスクは明らかな増加…
    view full post

    February 28, 2025

    5

  • ケースケ@LessIsMoreICU
    @lessismoreicu (Twitter)

    RT @lessismoreicu: 高用量鎮静薬を要するレスピ患者で、プロプラノロール20～60mgの6時間毎の漸増投与は、鎮静薬必要性を低下させて目標鎮静を達成し、安価で、限られた鎮静薬の供給量を維持するのに役立つ可能性あり、というRCT。 有害事象のリスクは明らかな増加…
    view full post

    February 27, 2025

    5

  • どん兵衛
    @qd_mm5 (Twitter)

    RT @lessismoreicu: 高用量鎮静薬を要するレスピ患者で、プロプラノロール20～60mgの6時間毎の漸増投与は、鎮静薬必要性を低下させて目標鎮静を達成し、安価で、限られた鎮静薬の供給量を維持するのに役立つ可能性あり、というRCT。 有害事象のリスクは明らかな増加…
    view full post

    February 27, 2025

    5

  • ケースケ@LessIsMoreICU
    @lessismoreicu (Twitter)

    高用量鎮静薬を要するレスピ患者で、プロプラノロール20～60mgの6時間毎の漸増投与は、鎮静薬必要性を低下させて目標鎮静を達成し、安価で、限られた鎮静薬の供給量を維持するのに役立つ可能性あり、というRCT。 有害事象のリスクは明らかな増加もなしと 今後の研究に期待 https://t.co/dAPl9061Cc
    view full post

    February 27, 2025

    28

    5

  • Solving Healthcare
    @KwadCast (Twitter)

    RT @kwadwo777: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/u9birYmjVD Nice work…
    view full post

    February 22, 2025

    2

  • Bryan Cotton
    @bryanacotton1 (Twitter)

    Oh, look…propranolol for the win. Again. In this small RCT, scheduled PO propranolol ⬇️ propofol and midazolam requirements/dosing & its use had more RASS at
    view full post

    February 22, 2025

    4

  • James Downar
    @jamesdownar (Twitter)

    RT @kwadwo777: Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/u9birYmjVD Nice work…
    view full post

    February 22, 2025

    2

  • Kwadwo Kyeremanteng
    @kwadwo777 (Twitter)

    Propranolol As an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives ... : Critical Care Medicine https://t.co/u9birYmjVD Nice work @jamesdownar
    view full post

    February 22, 2025

    4

    2

  • Critical Care Medicine
    @CritCareMed (Twitter)

    Get a sneak peek at the critical care research you’ll find at #SCCM2025! Critical Care Medicine editors and SCCM Discovery leadership discuss a new clinical trial on aspirin treatment in patients with #sepsis and septic shock: https://t.co/BpkrehqPtB #SCCM #CritCareMed @SCCM https://t.co/ZuaopLGXeM
    view full post

    February 20, 2025

  • CureHuntr
    @CureHuntr (Twitter)

    #clinicaltrial Propranolol as an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives From Critically-ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation https://t.co/zocxnE8le4
    view full post

    July 11, 2020

  • TrialBulletin
    @TrialBulletin (Twitter)

    Propranolol as an Anxiolytic to Reduce the Use of Sedatives From Critically-ill Adults Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: Status: Not yet recruiting, Condition Summary: Mechanical Ventilation; Sedation; Critical Illness; COVID https://t.co/IkZFDDS9WV
    view full post

    July 11, 2020

Abstract Synopsis

  • The study tested whether propranolol, a nonselective beta-blocker, could reduce the amount of sedatives needed for critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, especially during shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Results showed that patients receiving propranolol experienced a greater reduction in sedative doses and more frequent target sedation levels, without increasing adverse events or affecting mortality.
  • Overall, propranolol proved to be an inexpensive option that helps lower sedative use in critically ill patients, potentially conserving sedative supplies during crises like the pandemic.