Propranolol dosage, plasma concentration, and beta blockade

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Abstract
Normal men (169) received varying propranolol dosage regimens and placebo. Dose level and frequency were compared with plasma propranolol levels and .beta.-blockade, as assessed by reduction of exercise tachycardia. Propranolol levels > 20 ng/ml induced significant .beta.-blockade. An average daily propranolol dose slightly in excess of 160 mg led to a minimum plasma level > 20 ng/ml. Approximately 50% of subjects achieved .gtoreq. 20 bpm [beats/min] decrease in exercise tachycardia with 160 mg/day. The degree of .beta.-blockade at the daily minimum propranolol level was related to dose and not dose frequency. The relation of propranolol dose and plasma levels to .beta.-blockade in normal subjects appears to reflect observations in large clinical trials.