Clinical pharmacology of a new beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug, befunolol. Cross-over comparison with propranolol on repeated administration.

Repeated doses of a new β-adrenoceptor blocking agent, befunolol, were administered orally to adult male volunteers for a cross-over comparison with propranolol. The β-adrenoceptor blocking activity of befunolol was greater than that of propranolol when assessed by the percentage reduction in exercise-induced tachycardia. The elimination half-life of drug was significantly prolonged on repeated administration of propranolol, but not of befunolol. The percentage reduction in exercise-induced tachycardia was highly correlated with the log plasma level of each drug. Both drugs produced a significant reduction in pre-exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and significant attenuation of exercise-induced rise in systolic blood pressure.