Effects of propranolol and pindolol on plasma lignocaine clearance in man

1 Steady state concentrations and clearance of lignocaine were determine in eight healthy volunteers during 360 min continuous lignocaine infusion (2 mg/min). Before the infusion propranolol (0.18 mg/kg i.v.), pindolol (0.023 mg/kg i.v.) or placebo were administered in a random double-blind, cross over design. 2 During the infusion of lignocaine heart rate, cardiac output and arterial blood pressure were measured every 60 min. 3 Propranolol decreased heart rate and cardiac output significantly by 10--20%, while pindolol or lignocaine did not change cardiac output or heart rate significantly. None of the drugs changed the arterial blood pressure. 4 Propranolol pretreatment decreased lignocaine significantly by 14.7% and the steady state concentration was increased by 22.5%. Pindolol produced no significant change in steady state concentration or clearance of lignocaine.