What is already known about this subject
Propranolol is used for the treatment of portal hypertension and the prevention of resultant variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.
Portal hypertension occurred in cirrhotic patients reduces hepatic blood flow and increases the systemic exposure of propranolol by reducing metabolism. Thus, the systemic exposure of propranolol may vary according to the progression of liver cirrhosis.
Despite the possibility of varying pharmacokinetics according to the disease progression, only few small studies has been reported on the drug exposure or dose adjustment of propranolol in patients with liver cirrhosis.