Effects of propranolol therapy on renal function and body fluid composition

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hypertension management often involves beta-blockers like propranolol.
• Understanding the renal effects of propranolol is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of propranolol hydrochloride monotherapy on renal function and body fluid composition in hypertensive men.
• To assess short-term, long-term, and withdrawal effects of propranolol on renal parameters.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen hypertensive men received propranolol hydrochloride monotherapy.
• Renal function and body fluid composition were assessed during short-term, long-term, and withdrawal phases.
• Key parameters included glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, renal blood flow, and fluid/electrolyte balance markers.

Main Results:

• Propranolol showed minimal impact (<10% decrease) on glomerular filtration rate, correlated with changes in effective renal plasma flow.
• Long-term propranolol therapy reduced effective renal plasma flow (14%) and renal blood flow (15%), with persistent decreases post-withdrawal.
• No significant effects were observed on diuretic/natriuretic status, urine osmolality, free water clearance, sodium handling, or body fluid volumes (plasma, extracellular, total body water).
• Renal potassium handling and serum potassium concentration remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

• Propranolol monotherapy has limited effects on overall renal filtration but can reduce renal perfusion.
• The drug does not alter fluid balance or electrolyte levels, including potassium.
• Renal blood flow reduction may persist after discontinuing propranolol therapy.