Propranolol is classified as which type of drug?

Propranolol is classified as a beta blocker because it specifically antagonizes beta-adrenergic receptors in the body. These receptors are primarily involved in the sympathetic nervous system's effects, such as increasing heart rate and blood pressure. By blocking these receptors, propranolol can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease the workload on the heart. This classification is crucial in veterinary pharmacology because understanding the mechanism of action helps in selecting the right treatment for conditions like hypertension, anxiety, or certain types of arrhythmias in animals. The other classifications, like alpha blocker or sympathomimetic, pertain to different receptor interactions and effects and don’t apply to propranolol's mechanism of action.