Beta-blockers and asthma.

Abstract

In a single-blind, randomised, crossover study in 10 asthmatic patients, the effects of approximately equipotent oral doses of 3 cardioselective beta-blockers-atenolol (100 mg), metoprolol (100 mg), and acebutolol (300 mg)-and 4 non-cardioselective beta-blockers-proranolol (100 mg), oxprenolol (100 mg), pindolol (5 mg), and timolol (10 mg) upon FEV1 were compared. All drugs, except pindolol, produced a significant reduction in standing pulse rate and prevented an increase in heart rate after inhaled isoprenaline (1500 microgram). All drugs caused a fall in FEV1 but only atenolol did not differ significantly from placebo in this respect. The bronchodilator response to inhaled isoprenaline was blocked by the 4 non-cardioselective drugs; the 3 cardioselective agents permitted some bronchodilatation, but only atenolol did not differ from placebo.

Deciphering Modern Glucocorticoid Cross-pharmacology Using Ancestral Corticosteroid Receptors

“…However, because most receptors belong to large classes of evolutionaryrelated proteins that show high structural similarity, targeting a single receptor subtype is a major challenge. Poor selectivity can cause serious off-target side effects, as seen in the treatments of major depression (3), heart disease (4, 5), asthma (4,5), and allergies (6).…”

Lack of effect of atenolol on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline.

“…Although P-adrenoceptor blockade is not the treatment of choice in these situations, atenolol, a cardioselective 3-adrenoceptor blocker may be used as daily doses below 100 mg have little effect on airway resistance (Decalmer et al, 1978;Ellis et al, 1981;Lawrence et al, 1983 On each study day, theophylline was administered intravenously as aminophylline (ElkinsSinn, Inc., Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Lot #: 066074 containing 79.36% theophylline). Approximately a 6 mg kg-' (ideal body weight) dose was infused over 30 min.…”

Assessment of beta‐adrenoceptor antagonists in asthmatic patients.

“…The bronchial response to an inhaledadrenoceptor agonist, usually isoprenaline or salbutamol, has been used in many clinical studies. Decalmer et al (1978), Thiringer & Svedmyr (1976), Ryo & Townley (1976) Mattson & Poppius (1978), Beumer et al (1978 and Benson etal. (1977), have all shown that the non-selective 1-adrenoceptor antagonists, with or without partial agonist properties, tend to prevent the inhaled bronchodilator airway response more than the PI1 selective antagonists, and more than placebo.…”