Effects of acute alcohol administration on propranolol absorption.

Alterations in propranolol absorption secondary to concomitant ethanol administration was investigated in five normal adults. With alcohol administration, there was an increase in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration (CPmax). Ethanol caused a decrease in the rate of absorption and an increase in the rate of elimination of propranolol. It appears that the acute, concomitant administration of alcohol with propranolol will alter the bioavailability of propranolol.