Long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA): pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic use

Long-acting propranolol (Inderal LA) is a new formulation of propranolol that allows release of the drug in a controlled manner, so that the plasma concentration at 24 hr after dosing is greater with long-acting propranolol than with conventional tablets. A single dose of 160 mg of long-acting propranolol can produce cardiac beta-adrenoceptor blockade throughout a 24 hr period without variability due to multiple peak concentrations. It has been shown that this formulation is as effective in the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension and hyperthyroidism as the standard formulation. Studies with long-acting propranolol in cardiac dysrhythmias are lacking. This new dosage form would be a means of simplifying dosing regimens and thereby hopefully enhancing patient convenience and compliance.