Sex differences in pharmacokinetics of oral propranolol in healthy Chinese volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the gender-based dimorphism of the distribution and metabolism of oral propranolol (Pro) exists in the healthy Chinese volunteers.


METHODS
Twelve subjects (6 M and 6 F) were given an 80 mg single oral dose of Pro. Plasma Pro levels were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detector and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by using the MCPKP program.


RESULTS
AUC and Cmax in females were about 74% and 99% higher than those in males (P < 0.05), whereas oral clearance and apparent distribution volume were 109% and 120% lower in females than in males (P < 0.05), respectively. The T1/2 tended to be longer in females (P > 0.05). No differences in any other kinetic parameters were found between the sexes.


CONCLUSIONS
The higher oral bioavailability (AUC and Cmax) of Pro in Chinese women is in part caused by their lower oral clearance and volume of distribution.
Xie
H G
HG
Department of Pharmacology, Hu-nan Medical University, Changsha, China.
Chen
X
X
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D001682:Biological Availability; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012737:Sex Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol