title: The effects of propranolol, practolol and metoprolol on exercise-induced tachycardia in relation to plasma levels in man.
abstract: 1. The effects of single oral doses of propranolol, practolol and a new cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug, metoprolol, on exercise-induced tachycardia in relation to plasma levels were studied in six normal volunteers. 2. Exercise undertaken on treadmill was submaximal which, under control conditions, increased the heart rate from 74-3 (s.e.m. = 6-8) to 153-8 (s.e.m. = 9.8) beats/min. 3. Plasma concentrations of propranolol and practolol were assayed fluorometrically and of metoprolol by electron-capture gas liquid chromatography, the details of which are described. 4. Between 1-5 and 2 h after drug ingestion 80 mg of propranolol associated with plasma level of 50-60 ng/ml (half-life 2-75 h), reduced the exercise-induced tachycardia by 27%, 250 mg of practolol with plasma levels of 1050-1100 ng/ml reduced it by 28% and 100 mg of metoprolol with plasma concentrations of 140-150 ng/ml (half-life 1-7 h), reduced it by 30%. 5. The resting heart rates were reduced significantly by propranolol and metoprolol but not by practolol. 6. Metoprolol is a potent short-acting beta-adrenoceptor antagonist; its advantages as a cardioselective agent over practolol in therapeutic use are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006207:Half-Life; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011217:Practolol / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011412:Propanolamines; D011433:Propranolol; D008790:Metoprolol; D011217:Practolol