Propranolol plasma levels and relief of migraine. Relationship between plasma propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolol concentrations and clinical effects
P. Cortelli, T. Sacquegna, F. Albani, A. Baldrati, R. D'Alessandro, A. Baruzzi and E. Lugaresi
The relationship between propranolol and 4-hydroxypropranolol plasma
concentrations and relief of migraine was assessed in 17 patients during
treatment with oral racemic propranolol hydrochloride in doses of 40 to 240
mg/day. Propranolol decreased the migraine index more than 70% in 13
patients: five patients at a dosage of 40 mg/day, five patients at a dosage
of 120 mg/day, and three patients at a dosage of 240 mg/day. Three patients
did not achieve a good improvement of migraine at any of the doses used.
The relief of migraine was not directly related to the propranolol and
4-hydroxypropranolol plasma concentrations.
