Long-term effect of nadolol on quantitative liver function tests in patients with cirrhosis.

Nadolol, a non-cardioselective beta adrenoreceptor blocking agent, has been reported to decrease portal pressure without affecting liver function in cirrhotic patients treated for 1 month. There were no data about the long-term effects of nadolol on liver function. In 11 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension galactose eliminating capacity, aminopyrine metabolic capacity, ICG clearance and IGC intrinsic hepatic clearance according to the "parallel tube" model were measured before and after 6 months of treatment with nadolol at a dose reducing resting heart rate by approximately 25%. No significant variation in any of these parameters was found. Thus 6 months of continuous oral administration of nadolol did not further impair liver function in cirrhotics.