The Peripheral Platelet Count and ADP-Induced Platelet Aggregation in Response to Metoprolol and Propranolol as Studied in Young Healthy Male Volunteers

Abstract

The oral administration of 1 single dose of metoprolol as well as of propranolol apparently causes a significant increase in the venous platelet concentration. The effect of metoprolol, administered twice daily over a period of 1 wk, was investigated on the venous platelet count in a group of healthy volunteers. The drug significantly raised the venous platelet concentration over the whole study period. Further, the effect of 1 wk metoprolol and propranolol medication on ADP-induced platelet aggregation was investigated in another group of healthy subjects; the results were compared to those obtained during 1 wk of placebo medication. Neither of the 2 .beta.-blocking drugs affected ADP-induced platelet aggregability; this was true on the 1st as well as on the last day of study.