The anionic surface-active agent, sodium dodecyl sulphate, when included into matrix tablets containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC K15M) retarded the release rate of propranolol hydrochloride by the formation of propranolol dodecyl sulphate. The root-time dissolution rates from these tablets were proportional to the unreacted propranolol hydrochloride. Propranolol dodecyl sulphate formed lyotropic liquid crystals on contact with water. On heating, this hydration was lost at 36-degrees-C. The estimated solubility product of this compound was less than 4 x 10(-8) M2. The ternary phase diagram of sodium dodecyl sulphate-propranolol hydrochloride-water was established and confirmed the approximate 1:1 w/w nature of the precipitate. Similar interactions did not occur between propranolol hydrochloride and cetrimide which, when included in HPMC matrix tablets, marginally increased the dissolution rate of propranolol hydrochloride.