Relationship between dose, blood level and haemodynamic response in patients with cirrhosis receiving propranolol.

Fifty-two patients with cirrhosis receiving continuous administration of propranolol in doses reducing the heart rate by 25% were studied. The doses and plasma levels varied widely - 185 +/- 98 mg/day (mean +/- SD) and 208 +/- 153 ng/ml, respectively. These values were significantly correlated. No significant correlation was found between the dose of the drug or plasma level and the liver function tests. Although propranolol significantly decreased cardiac output and the hepatic venous pressure gradient, no correlation was found between drug dose or plasma level and these haemodynamic effects.