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propranolol

(Science: drug) potent adrenergic antagonist acting at beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors.

pharmacologic action: Non-selective beta blockade (beta-1 and beta-2), reduces heart rate, myocardial contractility, and blood pressure, but also reduces myocardial oxygen demand.

uses: atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias caused by catecholamines; hypertension, myocardial ischemia; hyperthyroidism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

dose: 0.25 - 0.5 mg test dose, then 1 mg iV q min to desired effect total dose should not exceed 0.1 mg/kg.

Onset: 2 min duration: 1 - 6 hr.

potential complications: hypotension, bradycardia, worsened AV block, congestive heart failure and bronchospasm are unusual at low doses.

chemical name: 1-(isopropylamino)-3-(1-naphthyloxy)-2-propanol hydrochloride.