No stereoselective first-pass hepatic extraction of propranolol.

The plasma level: time profile for l-propranolol and total propranolol concentrations were examined in normotensive subjects after intravenous and oral dl-propranolol. l-Propranolol concentrations in plasma accounted for about 60% of total propranolol. This was attributed to lower volume of distribution for the isomer. Mean plasma clearance of 1-propranolol was similarly affected while apparent plasma half-life for the l-isomer and total propranolol were of the same order. Oral bioavailability of 1- and total propranolol averaged 40.7 +/- 8.5% and 42.4 +/- 12.9%. Food and hydralazine increased oral bioavailability of total and l-propranolol by similar magnitudes. We conclude that difference in the kinetics of l- and total propranolol concentrations in plasma are small and probably of no clinical significance. Presystemic clearance of propranolol in man does not appear to be stereospecific.