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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
Published on: February 23, 2024
Propranolol kinetics in plasma from severely burned adults
Ashley N Guillory1, David N Herndon2, Michael B Silva2
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States; Institute for Translational Sciences and Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States; Shriners Hospitals for Children(®) - Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate propranolol dosing strategy for reducing heart rate in severely burned adults.
Methods:
A total of 26 patients (≥18 years) with burns covering ≥30% of the total body surface area were included in this IRB-approved study. Plasma propranolol concentrations were determined in a placebo group (n=10) or following one of three dosing strategies: Q6 (n=4), Q8 (n=6), and Q24 (n=6). Blood was collected just before dosing and at regular intervals over two dosing periods with corresponding heart rate and blood pressure recordings. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by the appropriate post-hoc test.
Results:
Heart rate was 86±2 bpm for Q6, 93±3 bpm for Q8, and 90±4 bpm for Q24. The Q8 group had a significantly higher heart rate than the Q6 group (p=0.0001). Plasma propranolol concentrations were significantly higher in the Q6 dosing strategy than in the Q8 dosing strategy (p=0.02).
Conclusions:
Heart rate can be decreased to a similar degree with Q6 and Q24 dosing strategies, with the Q8 dosing strategy being less effective. Q6 dosing is recommended to maintain reduced heart rate throughout dosing periods.
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