Avlocardyl®, one of the first beta-blockers put on the market in the 1960s, was withdrawn from the market due to a discontinuation of its production. Other beta-blockers have taken over to manage cardiovascular diseases.
Definition: what is the drug Avlocardyl®?
Avlocardyl® is a drug from the beta-blocker family. Its active substance is pronalolol hydrochloride. It was developed in the 1960s to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rhythm disturbances while slowing down the heart.
Why is Avlocardyl® no longer marketed?
Avlocardyl® is not discontinued since March 1, 2016 for reasons of portfolio management following a manufacturing change. This mature product is now replaced by other beta-blockers with new indications and properties. Specialists prescribe to their patients other more suitable drugs : “generics of propranolol or new generation of beta-blockers which will allow a different management (dosage, formulation) of their pathology“, specify Professor Xavier Girerd, cardiologist in Paris.
What were the indications for Avlocardyl®?
The indications for Avlocardyl® were, according to the Vidalthe following :
- Treatment of high blood pressure;
- prevention of angina attacks of effort;
- long-term treatment after a heart attack or myocardial infarction;
- treatment of some heart rhythm disturbances;
- treatment of cardiovascular manifestations of excess thyroid hormones;
- treatment of obstructive cardiomyopathies;
- basic treatment of migraines and cluster headaches;
- treatment of some tremors;
- prevention of palpitations and racing heart in stressful situations;
- prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in people with cirrhosis of the liver.
Which drug to replace Avlocardyl®?
There are different generics of Alvlocardyl® or propranolol substances. Generics must have a composition close to Alvlocardyl®, an equivalence of around 20%. It should be replaced by another drug blocking beta-adrenergic receptors at an equivalent dosage, or stopping propranolol should be done gradually over a period of 7 to 14 days. “Suddenly stopping Avlocardyl® can lead to tachycardia, a rapid heart, and bother the patient. Stopping must be gradual and allow the body to apprehend it. You must listen to your patient and prescribe a new treatment“, emphasizes Professor Girerd.
What are the contraindications of propranolol?
Propranolol is contraindicated in people hypersensitive to propranolol ; in those suffering asthma, breathing problems or chronic lung disease ; at the uncontrolled heart failure (cardiogenic shock, unassisted atrioventricular block), in pregnant or breastfeeding women ; at the children ; at the people with cirrhosis (risk of gastrointestinal bleeding). Before using any medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have, the medications you use, and any other important facts about your health.
Thanks to Pr Xavier Girerd, cardiologist (Paris), President of the Hypertension Foundation.