Effects of metoprolol and propranolol on theophylline elimination

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Abstract
The effects of .beta.-adrenergic blockade on theophylline [antispasmodic antiasthmatic] elimination were studied in 9 normal subjects. Oral propranolol, 40 mg every 6 h, induced a fall in theophylline clearance from 0.0464 .+-. 0.0216 to 0.0294 .+-. 0.0129 l/kg/h (P < 0.001). Oral metoprolol, 50 mg every 6 h, did not reduce theophylline clearance in the group as a whole but had a reducing effect intermediate to that of propranolol on theophylline clearance in some smokers whose theophylline clearance was high initially. .beta.-Adrenergic blockade may reduce theophylline clearance, particularly in subjects whose theophylline metabolism was induced by cigarette smoking. Metoprolol and propranolol may be used to treat asthmatics with hypertension, angina or arrhythmia.