CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
General
Propranolol is a nonselective, beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking agent possessing no other autonomic
nervous system activity. It specifically competes with beta-adrenergic receptor-stimulating agents for
available receptor sites. When access to beta-receptor sites is blocked by propranolol, the
chronotropic, inotropic, and vasodilator responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation are decreased
proportionately. At dosages greater than required for beta blockade, propranolol also exerts a
quinidine-like or anesthetic-like membrane action, which affects the cardiac action potential. The
significance of the membrane action in the treatment of arrhythmias is uncertain.
Inderal LA should not be considered a simple mg-for-mg substitute for conventional propranolol and
the blood levels achieved do not match (are lower than) those of two to four times daily dosing with the
same dose (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). When changing to Inderal LA from
conventional propranolol, a possible need for retitration upwards should be considered, especially to
maintain effectiveness at the end of the dosing interval. In most clinical settings, however, such as
hypertension or angina where there is little correlation between plasma levels and clinical effect,
Inderal LA has been therapeutically equivalent to the same mg dose of conventional Inderal as assessed
by 24-hour effects on blood pressure and on 24-hour exercise responses of heart rate, systolic
pressure, and rate pressure product.
Mechanism Of Action
The mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of propranolol has not been established. Among the
factors that may be involved in contributing to the antihypertensive action include: (1) decreased cardiac
output, (2) inhibition of renin release by the kidneys, and (3) diminution of tonic sympathetic nerve
outflow from vasomotor centers in the brain. Although total peripheral resistance may increase initially,
it readjusts to or below the pretreatment level with chronic use of propranolol. Effects of propranolol
on plasma volume appear to be minor and somewhat variable.
In angina pectoris, propranolol generally reduces the oxygen requirement of the heart at any given level
of effort by blocking the catecholamine-induced increases in the heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and
the velocity and extent of myocardial contraction. Propranolol may increase oxygen requirements by
increasing left ventricular fiber length, end diastolic pressure, and systolic ejection period. The net
physiologic effect of beta-adrenergic blockade is usually advantageous and is manifested during
exercise by delayed onset of pain and increased work capacity.
Propranolol exerts its antiarrhythmic effects in concentrations associated with beta-adrenergic
blockade, and this appears to be its principal antiarrhythmic mechanism of action. In dosages greater than
required for beta blockade, propranolol also exerts a quinidine-like or anesthetic-like membrane action
which affects the cardiac action potential. The significance of the membrane action in the treatment of
arrhythmias is uncertain.
The mechanism of the anti-migraine effect of propranolol has not been established. Beta-adrenergic
receptors have been demonstrated in the pial vessels of the brain.
Pharmacolinetics And Drug Metabolism
Absorption
Propranolol is highly lipophilic and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. However, it
undergoes high first pass metabolism by the liver and on average, only about 25% of propranolol
reaches the systemic circulation. Inderal LA Capsules (60, 80, 120, and 160 mg) release propranolol
HCl at a controlled and predictable rate. Peak blood levels following dosing with Inderal LA occur at
about 6 hours.
The effect of food on Inderal LA bioavailability has not been investigated.
Distribution
Approximately 90% of circulating propranolol is bound to plasma proteins (albumin and alpha-1-acid
glycoprotein). The binding is enantiomer-selective. The S(–)-enantiomer is preferentially bound to
alpha-1-glycoprotein and the R(+)-enantiomer preferentially bound to albumin. The volume of
distribution of propranolol is approximately 4 liters/kg.
Propranolol crosses the blood-brain barrier and the placenta, and is distributed into breast milk.
Metabolism And Elimination
Propranolol is extensively metabolized with most metabolites appearing in the urine. Propranolol is
metabolized through three primary routes: aromatic hydroxylation (mainly 4-hydroxylation), Ndealkylation
followed by further side-chain oxidation, and direct glucuronidation. It has been estimated
that the percentage contributions of these routes to total metabolism are 42%, 41% and 17%,
respectively, but with considerable variability between individuals. The four major metabolites are
propranolol glucuronide, naphthyloxylactic acid and glucuronic acid, and sulfate conjugates of 4-
hydroxy propranolol.
In-vitro studies have indicated that the aromatic hydroxylation of propranolol is catalyzed mainly by
polymorphic CYP2D6. Side-chain oxidation is mediated mainly by CYP1A2 and to some extent by
CYP2D6. 4-hydroxy propranolol is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6.
Propranolol is also a substrate of CYP2C19 and a substrate for the intestinal efflux transporter, pglycoprotein
(p-gp). Studies suggest however that p-gp is not dose-limiting for intestinal absorption of
propranolol in the usual therapeutic dose range.
In healthy subjects, no difference was observed between CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs) and
poor metabolizers (PMs) with respect to oral clearance or elimination half-life. Partial clearance of 4-
hydroxy propranolol was significantly higher and naphthyloxyactic acid was significantly lower in EMs
than PMs.
When measured at steady state over a 24-hour period the areas under the propranolol plasma
concentration-time curve (AUCs) for the Inderal LA capsules are approximately 60% to 65% of the
AUCs for a comparable divided daily dose of Inderal Tablets. The lower AUCs for the Inderal LA
capsules are due to greater hepatic metabolism of propranolol, resulting from the slower rate of
absorption of propranolol. Over a twenty-four (24) hour period, blood levels are fairly constant for
about twelve (12) hours, then decline exponentially. The apparent plasma half-life is about 10 hours.
Enantiomers
Propranolol is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, R(+) and S(–). The S(–)-enantiomer is
approximately 100 times as potent as the R(+)-enantiomer in blocking beta- adrenergic receptors. In
normal subjects receiving oral doses of racemic propranolol, S(–)-enantiomer concentrations exceeded
those of the R(+)-enantiomer by 40-90% as a result of stereoselective hepatic metabolism. Clearance
of the pharmacologically active S(–)-propranolol is lower than R(+)-propranolol after intravenous and
oral doses.
Special Population
Geriatric
The pharmacokinetics of Inderal LA have not been investigated in patients over 65 years of age.
In a study of 12 elderly (62-79 years old) and 12 young (25-33 years old) healthy subjects, the clearance
of S-enantiomer of propranolol was decreased in the elderly. Additionally, the half-life of both the Rand
S-propranolol were prolonged in the elderly compared with the young (11 hours vs. 5 hours).
Clearance of propranolol is reduced with aging due to decline in oxidation capacity (ring oxidation and
side chain oxidation). Conjugation capacity remains unchanged. In a study of 32 patients age 30 to 84
years given a single 20-mg dose of propranolol, an inverse correlation was found between age and the
partial metabolic clearances to 4-hydroxypropranolol (40HP ring oxidation) and to naphthoxylactic acid
(NLA-side chain oxidation). No correlation was found between age and the partial metabolic clearance
to propranolol glucuronide (PPLG conjugation).
Gender
In a study of 9 healthy women and 12 healthy men, neither the administration of testosterone nor the
regular course of the menstrual cycle affected the plasma binding of the propranolol enantiomers. In
contrast, there was a significant, although non-enantioselective diminution of the binding of propranolol
after treatment with ethinyl estradiol. These findings are inconsistent with another study, in which
administration of testosterone cypionate confirmed the stimulatory role of this hormone on propranolol
metabolism and concluded that the clearance of propranolol in men is dependent on circulating
concentrations of testosterone. In women, none of the metabolic clearances for propranolol showed any
significant association with either estradiol or testosterone.
Race
A study conducted in 12 Caucasian and 13 African-American male subjects taking propranolol, showed
that at steady state, the clearance of R(+)- and S(–)-propranolol were about 76% and 53% higher in
African-Americans than in Caucasians, respectively.
Chinese subjects had a greater proportion (18% to 45% higher) of unbound propranolol in plasma
compared to Caucasians, which was associated with a lower plasma concentration of alpha-1-acid
glycoprotein.
Renal Insufficiency
The pharmacokinetics of Inderal LA have not been investigated in patients with renal insufficiency.
In a study conducted in 5 patients with chronic renal failure, 6 patients on regular dialysis, and 5 healthy
subjects, who received a single oral dose of 40 mg of propranolol, the peak plasma concentrations
(Cmax) of propranolol in the chronic renal failure group were 2 to 3-fold higher (161±41 ng/mL) than
those observed in the dialysis patients (47±9 ng/mL) and in the healthy subjects (26±1 ng/mL).
Propranolol plasma clearance was also reduced in the patients with chronic renal failure.
Studies have reported a delayed absorption rate and a reduced half-life of propranolol in patients with
renal failure of varying severity. Despite this shorter plasma half-life, propranolol peak plasma levels
were 3-4 times higher and total plasma levels of metabolites were up to 3 times higher in these patients
than in subjects with normal renal function.
Chronic renal failure has been associated with a decrease in drug metabolism via down regulation of
hepatic cytochrome P450 activity resulting in a lower “first-pass” clearance.
Propranolol is not significantly dialyzable.
Hepatic Insufficiency
The pharmacokinetics of Inderal LA have not been investigated in patients with hepatic insufficiency.
Propranolol is extensively metabolized by the liver. In a study conducted in 6 patients with cirrhosis and
7 healthy subjects receiving 160 mg of a long-acting preparation of propranolol once a day for 7 days,
the steady-state propranolol concentration in patients with cirrhosis was increased 2.5-fold in
comparison to controls. In the patients with cirrhosis, the half-life obtained after a single intravenous
dose of 10 mg propranolol increased to 7.2 hours compared to 2.9 hours in control (see PRECAUTIONS).
Drug Interactions
All drug interaction studies were conducted with propranolol. There are no data on drug interactions
with Inderal LA capsules.
Interactions with Substrates, Inhibitors or Inducers of Cytochrome P-450 Enzymes
Because propranolol’s metabolism involves multiple pathways in the Cytochrome P-450 system
(CYP2D6, 1A2, 2C19), co-administration with drugs that are metabolized by, or affect the activity
(induction or inhibition) of one or more of these pathways may lead to clinically relevant drug
interactions (see DRUG INTERACTIONS under PRECAUTIONS).
Substrates Or Inhibitors Of CYP2D6
Blood levels and/or toxicity of propranolol may be increased by co-administration with substrates or
inhibitors of CYP2D6, such as amiodarone, cimetidine, delavudin, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine, and
ritonavir. No interactions were observed with either ranitidine or lansoprazole.
Substrates Or Inhibitors Of CYP1A2
Blood levels and/or toxicity of propranolol may be increased by co-administration with substrates or
inhibitors of CYP1A2, such as imipramine, cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, ritonavir,
theophylline, zileuton, zolmitriptan, and rizatriptan.
Substrates Or Inhibitors Of CYP2C19
Blood levels and/or toxicity of propranolol may be increased by co-administration with substrates or
inhibitors of CYP2C19, such as fluconazole, cimetidine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, tenioposide, and
tolbutamide. No interaction was observed with omeprazole.
Inducers Of Hepatic Drug Metabolism
Blood levels of propranolol may be decreased by co-administration with inducers such as rifampin,
ethanol, phenytoin, and phenobarbital. Cigarette smoking also induces hepatic metabolism and has been
shown to increase up to 77% the clearance of propranolol, resulting in decreased plasma
concentrations.
Cardiovascular Drugs
Antiarrhythmics
The AUC of propafenone is increased by more than 200% by co-administration of propranolol.
The metabolism of propranolol is reduced by co-administration of quinidine, leading to a two to three
fold increased blood concentration and greater degrees of clinical beta-blockade.
The metabolism of lidocaine is inhibited by co-administration of propranolol, resulting in a 25%
increase in lidocaine concentrations.
Calcium Channel Blockers
The mean C and AUC of propranolol are increased respectively, by 50% and 30% by coadministration
of nisoldipine and by 80% and 47%, by co-administration of nicardipine.
The mean C and AUC of nifedipine are increased by 64% and 79%, respectively, by coadministration
of propranolol.
Propranolol does not affect the pharmacokinetics of verapamil and norverapamil. Verapamil does not
affect the pharmacokinetics of propranolol.
Non-Cardiovascular Drugs
Migraine Drugs
Administration of zolmitriptan or rizatriptan with propranolol resulted in increased concentrations of
zolmitriptan (AUC increased by 56% and Cmax by 37%) or rizatriptan (the AUC and Cmax were
increased by 67% and 75%, respectively).
Theophylline
Co-administration of theophylline with propranolol decreases theophylline oral clearance by 30% to
52%.
Benzodiazepines
Propranolol can inhibit the metabolism of diazepam, resulting in increased concentrations of diazepam
and its metabolites. Diazepam does not alter the pharmacokinetics of propranolol.
The pharmacokinetics of oxazepam, triazolam, lorazepam, and alprazolam are not affected by coadministration
of propranolol.
Neuroleptic Drugs
Co-administration of long-acting propranolol at doses greater than or equal to 160 mg/day resulted in
increased thioridazine plasma concentrations ranging from 55% to 369% and increased thioridazine
metabolite (mesoridazine) concentrations ranging from 33% to 209%.
Co-administration of chlorpromazine with propranolol resulted in a 70% increase in propranolol plasma
level.
Anti-Ulcer Drugs
Co-administration of propranolol with cimetidine, a non-specific CYP450 inhibitor, increased
propranolol AUC and Cmax by 46% and 35%, respectively. Co-administration with aluminum hydroxide
gel (1200 mg) may result in a decrease in propranolol concentrations.
Co-administration of metoclopramide with the long-acting propranolol did not have a significant effect
on propranolol’s pharmacokinetics.
Lipid Lowering Drugs
Co-administration of cholestyramine or colestipol with propranolol resulted in up to 50% decrease in
propranolol concentrations.
Co-administration of propranolol with lovastatin or pravastatin, decreased 18% to 23% the AUC of
both, but did not alter their pharmacodynamics. Propranolol did not have an effect on the
pharmacokinetics of fluvastatin.
Warfarin
Concomitant administration of propranolol and warfarin has been shown to increase warfarin
bioavailability and increase prothrombin time.
Pharmacodynamics And Clinical Effects
Hypertension
In a retrospective, uncontrolled study, 107 patients with diastolic blood pressure 110 to 150 mmHg
received propranolol 120 mg t.i.d. for at least 6 months, in addition to diuretics and potassium, but with
no other hypertensive agent. Propranolol contributed to control of diastolic blood pressure, but the
magnitude of the effect of propranolol on blood pressure cannot be ascertained.
Four double-blind, randomized, crossover studies were conducted in a total of 74 patients with mild or
moderately severe hypertension treated with Inderal LA 160 mg once daily or propranolol 160 mg
given either once daily or in two 80 mg doses. Three of these studies were conducted over a 4-week
treatment period. One study was assessed after a 24-hour period. Inderal LA was as effective as
propranolol in controlling hypertension (pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) in each of
these trials.
Angina Pectoris
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 32 patients of both sexes, aged 32 to 69 years, with
stable angina, propranolol 100 mg t.i.d. was administered for 4 weeks and shown to be more effective
than placebo in reducing the rate of angina episodes and in prolonging total exercise time.
Twelve male patients with moderately severe angina pectoris were studied in a double-blind, crossover
study. Patients were randomized to either Inderal LA 160 mg daily or conventional propranolol 40 mg
four times a day for 2 weeks. Nitroglycerine tablets were allowed during the study. Blood pressure,
heart rate and ECG's were recorded during serial exercise treadmill testing. Inderal LA was as
effective as conventional propranolol for exercise heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure,
duration of anginal pain and ST-segment depression before or after exercise, exercise duration, angina
attack rate and nitroglycerine consumption.
In another double-blind, randomized, crossover trial, the effectiveness of propranolol LA 160 mg daily
and conventional propranolol 40 mg four times a day were evaluated in 13 patients with angina. ECG's
were recorded while patients exercised until angina developed. Inderal LA was as effective as
conventional propranolol for amount of exercise performed, ST-segment depression, number of anginal
attacks, amount of nitroglycerine consumed, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate at rest
and after exercise.
Migraine
In a 34-week, placebo-controlled, 4-period, dose-finding crossover study with a double-blind
randomized treatment sequence, 62 patients with migraine received propranolol 20 to 80 mg 3 or 4
times daily. The headache unit index, a composite of the number of days with headache and the
associated severity of the headache, was significantly reduced for patients receiving propranolol as
compared to those on placebo.
Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis
In an uncontrolled series of 13 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2 or 3
symptoms and hypertrophic subaortic stenosis diagnosed at cardiac catheterization, oral propranolol
40-80 mg t.i.d. was administered and patients were followed for up to 17 months. Propranolol was
associated with improved NYHA class for most patients.