Hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic study of propranolol and atenolol in cirrhosis patients.

The pharmacokinetic properties of propranolol and atenolol were evaluated both in 9 patients with cirrhosis and in 12 healthy subjects. The hemodynamic effects of the drugs were evaluated separately in the cirrhotic patients. Propranolol and atenolol significantly decreased wedged hepatic venous pressure and cardiac output in cirrhotic patients. Propranolol Cmax, tmax and AUC were significantly increased and plasma half-life was significantly prolonged in cirrhotic patients. In contrast, the corresponding pharmacokinetic values of atenolol were not significantly different in cirrhotic patients and in healthy subjects.