The pharmacokinetics and dynamics of oxprenolol: a simulation study with six subjects.

Experimental results of plasma concentration determinations and lowering of exercise heart rate for six subjects taking a conventional tablet and a sustained release preparation of oxprenolol have been analysed by a comprehensive computer simulation model. Individual plasma values were simulated using a lest squares procedure and the results were applied to evaluate individual release patterns following dosage with the sustained release preparation. Application of the model to the lowering of exercise heart rate indicated that the response is in a steady state with the plasma values and that the response-concentration relation is of the saturable, Emax, type. The parameters for this were evaluated for each subject for the results after a dose of a conventional tablet. These parameters were applicable to the results after dosage with a sustained release preparation. The method should be applicable to other sustained release preparations.