Comparison of kinetic interactions of nadolol and propranolol with cimetidine.

Plasma levels of nadolol and propranolol following a single 80 mg dose of each beta blocker in the presence and absence of cimetidine were determined in 12 healthy male subjects. Cimetidine increased (p less than 0.01) the area under the plasma concentration-time curve and peak plasma levels of propranolol by 46% and 35%, respectively. Nadolol kinetics were not altered significantly by cimetidine, except for a reduction in time to reach peak concentrations. The higher blood levels of propranolol during administration of cimetidine were not associated with any changes in resting blood pressure or heart rate compared with propranolol alone. Cimetidine had no effect on elimination half-lives or apparent mean residence times for either beta blocker.