The effect of the cardioselective beta blocker celiprolol on pulmonary function in asthmatic patients

The influence of single oral doses of 200 mg celiprolol, 100 mg atenolol, and 200 mg metoprolol on airway resistance (Raw) FEV1, VC, and MEF 50 was studied in a randomized double-blind crossover trial. Eighteen patients with hypertension and asthma, 14 men and 4 women, aged 43-75 years, took part. Pulmonary function tests were performed in the morning before treatment and 2 and 5 h after each treatment in the whole-body plethysmograph. The use of bronchodilators was not allowed during the 3 days. There was no significant change in airway resistance, FEV1, and MEF 50 after celiprolol and a slight increase of vital capacity at 2 h. After atenolol there was a decrease of FEV1 and MEF 50 at 5 h. Metoprolol caused an increase in resistance at 2 and 5 h and a fall in FEV1, VC, and MEF 50 at 2 and 5 h. Two patients required bronchodilator therapy after metoprolol and were excluded from evaluation. We conclude that celiprolol appears to be a safe drug in the treatment of asthmatic patients.