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Pharmacokinetics of propranolol during pregnancy

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Summary

Propranolol, a beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug, was administered to 6 healthy pregnant volunteers between 32 and 36 weeks gestation and when at least 6 weeks postparum. On both occasions, subjects were given propranolol 120 mg orally or 10 mg intravenously in randomised order with a minimum washout period of 1 week. Propranolol was assayed in plasma by gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection and the pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated. There were no significant alterations in elimination half-life, clearance or apparent volume of distribution per kilogram antenatally compared with postnatally: bioavailability was also unchanged. It is concluded that the disposition of propranolol is not altered during pregnancy.

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O'Hare, M.F., Kinney, C.D., Murnaghan, G.A. et al. Pharmacokinetics of propranolol during pregnancy. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 27, 583–587 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00556896

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00556896

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