The hemodynamic effects of
flestolol were evaluated in 30 patients undergoing routine cardiac catheterization. Hemodynamic measurements were obtained during baseline (prior to
flestolol), at steady state during IV
flestolol infusion (1, 5, and 10 micrograms/kg/min) and at 20 to 30 minutes after discontinuation (postinfusion).
Flestolol-induced hemodynamic changes were similar to those induced by other beta blockers without intrinsic
sympathomimetic activity. Significant dose-dependent reduction in heart rate, rate pressure product, and increase in peripheral vascular resistance were seen.
Flestolol produced clinically insignificant decrease in myocardial contractility as shown by slight decrease in LVdp/dt, CI, and LVEF. Hemodynamic data from patients with paced heart rate, further confirms a direct mild
cardiac depressant effect of
flestolol, a finding common to other beta blockers. Consistent with the short elimination half-life of
flestolol (t1/2 = 6.5 minutes), most of the hemodynamic changes rapidly returned to preinfusion level within 20 to 30 minutes following its discontinuation. Thus
flestolol, with its unique pharmacokinetic profile and titrability, may be beneficial in the treatment of
critically ill patients.