The Brain and Propranolol Pharmacokinetics in the Elderly

Abstract

Propranolol, a non-selective β-blocker, has been found to have a tremendous array of  indications. Recent evidence has suggested that propranolol may be effective in patients suffering  from post-traumatic stress disorder by suppressing activity in the amygdala and thereby inhibiting  emotional memory formation. Dosage requirements have been well established in the pediatric and  adult population, however, there has been no definitive geriatric dose recommended in the package  inserts made available to the public. The aim of this paper is to use pharmacokinetic simulations in  order to establish a pharmacokinetic profile dosage equivalent for the elderly as has been found in  young patients. After completing the Monte-Carlo simulations for the elderly and young patients, a  single 10mg dose in the elderly has shown comparable pharmacokinetic profiles as found in young  patients administered a 40mg single dose.