The effect of activated dimethicone, other antacid constituents, and kaolin on the absorption of propranolol.

A study was made of the effect of 6 commonly used gastrointestinal preparations on the absorption of propranolol using an in vitro experimental model. The constituents examined were activated dimethicone, aluminium hydroxide gel, bismuth carbonate, kaolin, magnesium carbonate, and magnesium trisilicate. A slight decreased propranolol absorption was given by kaolin (-13.0%), the other components showed smaller effects ranging from -6.8% to +6.6%. None of the results were statistically significantly different from control absorption values.