The effect on paracetamol absorption of stimulation and blockade of beta‐adrenoceptors.

1 The effect of drugs acting on beta-adrenoceptors on the absorption and excretion of paracetamol was studied in 26 volunteers and nine patients with mild hypertension, each subject acting as his/her own control. 2 Isoprenaline given 30 min before paracetamol significantly slowed absorption, the effect being dose related, and blocked by prior administration of propranolol. 3 When isoprenaline was given immediately before the paracetamol, absorption was not altered, although a cardiovascular response was seen. 4 Oral salbutamol also delayed paracetamol absorption. 5 Propranolol given alone increased the rate of paracetamol absorption. 6 These results with the changes in the rate of gastric emptying produced by these agents.