Pharmacokinetic evaluation of conventional and controlled release dosage form of propranolol

A comparative pharmacokinetic study of a new controlled release multiple unit propranolol formulation and a conventional propranolol tablet was carried out in twelve healthy human volunteers in a randomized balanced crossover design. Under a single dosage regimen, subjects were administered either a single capsule containing controlled release propranolol equivalent to 160 mg of the drug or 80 mg of conventional propranolol tablet, twelve hourly. Peak plasma propranolol concentrations were low which occurred later after controlled release administration than after the administration of the conventional tablet. Analysis of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) for the two formulations indicate no significant difference of bioavailability despite a prolonged absorption time and maintenance of effective plasma concentration for the controlled release preparation.