Propranolol serum levels during twenty-four hours

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Angina pectoris is a common cardiovascular condition.
• Propranolol is a beta-blocker frequently used for managing angina.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum propranolol levels over 24 hours in patients with angina pectoris.
• To assess the variability of propranolol concentrations after oral administration.

Main Methods:

• Nine hospitalized patients with angina pectoris were included.
• Oral propranolol (40 mg, 3 times daily) was administered.
• Serum levels were measured every 2 hours for 24 hours.

Main Results:

• Significant inter- and intraindividual variations in serum propranolol levels were observed.
• Mean maximum concentrations ranged from 118-134 ng/ml, and mean minimum concentrations ranged from 21-54 ng/ml.
• No correlation was found between serum levels and blood pressure or dose relative to body weight.

Conclusions:

• Oral propranolol exhibits substantial variability in serum concentrations among angina patients.
• Current dosing may not ensure consistent therapeutic levels due to high inter- and intraindividual variability.