Practolol

Practolol is a beta blocker that was previously used for the treatment of angina and arrhythmia. It was withdrawn from market worldwide due to its severe side effects.

History

Practolol was first synthesized in 1969 by the British pharmaceutical company E. Merck Darmstadt. It was the first beta blocker to be specifically designed for cardiac use. However, it was withdrawn from the market in the 1970s due to severe side effects.

Pharmacology

Practolol is a non-selective beta blocker, meaning it blocks both beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors. It has no intrinsic sympathomimetic activity and does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it has fewer central nervous system side effects compared to other beta blockers.

Side effects

The use of Practolol was associated with a severe and often irreversible syndrome called Oculomucocutaneous syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by severe eye, skin, and mucous membrane complications. Other side effects include bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm.

Withdrawal from market

Due to the severe side effects, Practolol was withdrawn from the market worldwide. The withdrawal led to significant changes in drug testing and approval processes, with a greater emphasis on post-marketing surveillance.

See also

• Beta blocker
• Oculomucocutaneous syndrome

References

• 
  Structure of Practolol
• Synthesis of Practolol
  Synthesis of Practolol