What is the half-life of propranolol (beta blocker)?

From the Guidelines

The half-life of propranolol is approximately 2.4 hours for intravenous administration, 3-6 hours for oral administration, and 8-20 hours for extended-release formulation. This information is crucial for determining the dosing frequency of propranolol, especially in the management of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, where maintaining therapeutic levels is important for effective rate control 1.

Key Points to Consider:

• The half-life of propranolol can vary significantly depending on the formulation used, with intravenous having the shortest half-life and extended-release having the longest 1.
• Factors such as liver function, age, and genetic variations in metabolizing enzymes can affect the half-life of propranolol, potentially altering the dosing requirements 1.
• Understanding the half-life of propranolol is essential for managing potential withdrawal effects if the medication is discontinued abruptly and for optimizing dosing regimens to improve patient adherence and outcomes 1.

Clinical Implications:

• For patients requiring rapid heart rate control, the intravenous formulation of propranolol may be preferred due to its quick onset of action, despite its shorter half-life 1.
• The oral and extended-release formulations offer more convenience for long-term management, with the extended-release formulation allowing for less frequent dosing 1.
• Clinicians should consider the pharmacokinetic properties of propranolol, including its half-life, when selecting a formulation and dosing regimen for their patients 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Over a twenty-four (24) hour period, blood levels are fairly constant for about twelve (12) hours, then decline exponentially. The apparent plasma half-life is about 10 hours

• The half-life of propranolol is approximately 10 hours 2
• However, it's worth noting that the half-life can vary depending on factors such as age, with the half-life being prolonged in the elderly (11 hours vs. 5 hours) 2
• Additionally, renal insufficiency has been associated with a reduced half-life of propranolol, despite higher peak plasma levels 2

From the Research

Half-Life of Propranolol

The half-life of propranolol, a beta blocker, varies depending on several factors, including the formulation and individual patient characteristics.

• The terminal half-life of long-acting propranolol is reported to be between 8 to 11 hours 3.
• In contrast, the half-life of conventional propranolol is shorter, ranging from 3 to 6 hours after continued administration 4.
• The half-life of propranolol can also vary among individuals, with a range of 1.5 to 3 hours reported after intravenous administration 4.
• Other studies have reported similar half-lives for propranolol, with a range of 2 to 4 hours for most beta-blockers, including propranolol 5.

Factors Affecting Half-Life

Several factors can affect the half-life of propranolol, including:

• Hepatic function: Impaired liver function can increase the volume of distribution of propranolol and affect its elimination 5.
• Plasma binding: The half-life of propranolol can be affected by individual differences in plasma binding, with higher binding resulting in a longer half-life 4.
• Dosage and administration: The half-life of propranolol can vary depending on the dosage and administration schedule, with once-daily dosing resulting in a longer half-life compared to divided daily dosing 3.