Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Sympatholytics
- Antihypertensive Agents
- Antiarrhythmic Agents
Dosage Forms
Brands / Synonyms
Alfeprol; Alfeprol [Russian]; Alpheprol; Alprenololum [Inn-Latin]; Apllobal; Aptine; Aptol Duriles; Gubernal; Regletin; Yobir
Indications
For the treatment of hypertension, angina, and arrhythmia
Pharmacology
Alprenolol is a non-selective beta-blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, edema, ventricular tachycardias, and atrial fibrillation. Alprenolol impairs AV node conduction and decreases sinus rate and may also increase plasma triglycerides and decrease HDL-cholesterol levels. Alprenolol is nonpolar and hydrophobic, with low to moderate lipid solubility. Alprenolol has little to no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and, unlike some other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, alprenolol has little direct myocardial depressant activity and does not have an anesthetic-like membrane-stabilizing action.
Mechanism of Action
Alprenolol non-selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors mainly in the heart, inhibiting the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine resulting in a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. By binding beta-2 receptors in the juxtaglomerular apparatus, alprenolol inhibits the production of renin, thereby inhibiting angiotensin II and aldosterone production and therefore inhibits the vasoconstriction and water retention due to angiotensin II and aldosterone, respectively.
Absorption
Not Available
Toxicity
LD50=597.0 mg/kg (Orally in rats)
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Hepatic. One of the active metabolites, 4-OH-alprenolol, is an active beta-blocker.
Contraindications
Not Available
Drug Interactions
Not Available
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