Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
- EDTA Plasma
- Li Hep Plasma
Specimen Transport
First class postSample Processing in Laboratory
Place sample in toxicology rack.Sample Preparation
None requiredTurnaround Time
3 days.Sample Stability
Keep refrigerated. 4 degrees.Propranolol
General Information
Propranolol (inderal) is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that has been used clinically since 1965 as an antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic agent. Adult doses are usually 30 - 320 mg daily orally or 1 - 3 mg intravenously.
Propranolol undergoes a complex pattern of biotransformation in man, with production of several active metabolites. 4-hydroxypropranolol has beta-blocking activity comparable with that of propranolol and is present in plasma after oral adminitration of the drug, but has a shorter half life. Norpropranolol and alpha-naphthoxy-2,3,-propyleneglycol (NPG) also have biological activity, but the extent of their contribution to the effects of drug are uncertain.
Adverse reactions to propranolol include nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, weakness, visual disturbances, hallucinations, disorientation, memory loss, catatonia, bradycardia, hypotension, congestive heart failure and bronchospasm. Fatal bronchospasm may result in asthmatic patients after even a single therapeutic dose.
Patient Preparation
For TDM, sample should be taken prior to dose. If toxicity is suspected, take sample at earliest opportunity
Notes
Propranolol measured by HPLC-DAD.
Please note this assay is not currently UKAS accredited
Reference Range
Therapeutic range: 0.02 - 0.3 mg/L. Toxicity associated with concentrations > 1.0 mg/L. (Schulz et al. Critical Care 2012, 16:R136).
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: LGC QUARTZ, LGC CLIN TOX