Propranolol為一種β接受體抗拮劑,在醫學上用途廣泛,副作用以心臟血管方面為主,智能障礙卻很少報告,而且機轉仍未明瞭。本文描述3位患高血壓及腦中風病例,接受30 mg / day~60 mg / day propranolol,在3至7天後發生瞻妄。當propranolol快消失。其瞻妄的機轉可能停止後,瞻妄很由於是中樞β接受體被阻遮及/或抗乙醯作用所致。
Delirium in 3 elderly patients with recent cerebral infarction and pre-existing brain dysfunction receiving low dose propranolol is described. The dose ranged from 30 to 60 mg/day and the interval between delirium onset and drug initiation was 3-7 days. One patient exhibited ictal mydriasis and sinus tachycardia. Hypoalbuminemia was found in 1 patient. Discontinuation of propranolol abolished their delirious pictures 2-5 days later. Their delirium may be attributed to central beta blockade or anticholinergic effect. Preexisting brain damage, old age and hypoalbuminemia may predispose such patients to neuropharmacotoxicity of low dose propranolol.