Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
[Beta receptor blockers in patients with obstructive respiratory diseases -- risks and alternatives]
1Medizinische Klinik I, Klinikum Fürth. med1@klinikum-fuerth.de
Abstract:
The use of beta-blockers should be avoided in the treatment of patients with asthma and COPD because of their broncho-constrictive effect if there are medical alternatives available. This is the case in arterial hypertension, glaucoma, supraventricular and ventricular dysrhythmia. The use of beta-I-selective drugs is indicated in the treatment of patients with coronary heart disease after myocardial infarction, since the benefit of reduction of morbidity and mortality through the coronary heart disease outweighs the potential risks if the patient is under close and careful observation and the initial dose of the beta-blocker is low. On principle patients suffering from asthma bronchiale should not be treated with beta-blockers because the risk of severe airway obstruction is higher than in patients with COPD.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers