Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
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Review Comparative Study
Treatment with beta-blockers--the value of an even plasma concentration over 24 h.
The aim of this paper was to examine if there were clinical studies supporting a beneficial effect of an even plasma concentration over 24 h for the most frequently prescribed beta 1-blockers in clinical practice, metoprolol CR/ZOK and atenolol. There are several studies showing that metoprolol CR/ZOK has a more even plasma concentration compared with atenolol and conventional metoprolol tablets when administered once daily. There are also studies showing that metoprolol CR/ZOK produces a more even beta 1-blockade over 24 h. ⋯ The peak plasma concentration of atenolol coincides with increased general and leg fatigue, problems less evident when patients are on metoprolol CR/ZOK. The frequency and severity of other central nervous system related side-effects are comparable with metoprolol CR/ZOK and atenolol. In conclusion, there are several clinical studies supporting a beneficial effect of the even plasma concentration over 24 h achieved with metoprolol CR/ZOK.
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Clinical Trial
Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on the plasma concentrations of fentanyl and alcuronium.
This study was conducted to examine the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery on the total and unbound plasma concentrations of fentanyl and the total plasma concentrations of alcuronium. Total fentanyl concentrations were measured by gas chromatography, the plasma protein binding of fentanyl by ultrafiltration, and alcuronium concentrations by high-performance liquid chromatography. Sixteen patients were studied. ⋯ The total alcuronium concentration in plasma fell by 29% on initiation of CPB and there was no increase on rewarming. The estimated elimination half-life of alcuronium using the grouped data was 234 min. Despite marked declines in the plasma concentrations of both drugs on initiation of CPB, suitable levels of anaesthesia were maintained throughout the procedure.