The haemodynamic effects of sotalol (MJ 1999) and propranolol in man

Summary In a dose of 40 mg, sotalol (MJ 1999) was more potent than 10 mg propranolol in blocking the cardiovascular effects of isoproterenol (5 healthy males, age 22–28 years). In a dose of 10 mg sotalol had weaker blocking properties. In a dose of 10 mg, propranolol under true basal conditions significantly decreased cardiac output (1.7 ± 0.34 1), stroke volume (31 ± 11 ml) and heart work (– 20 ± 7%), and increased the peripheral resistance (+35 ± 6%). Sotalol (10–40 mg i.v.) had no significant actions on cardiac output or any other cardiac function. There were statistically significant differences in the haemodynamic effects of sotalol and propranolol at doses producing a similar adrenergic -receptor blocking effect.This work was supported by grants from the Swedish State Medical Research Council (B69-14x-2546-01) and AB Bofors, Nobel-Pharma.For technical assistance we are indebted to Mrs. Anna-Greta Berggren and to Mrs. Anita Andersson.