Bopindolol, pindolol, and atenolol in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease

Twelve subjects with chronic obstructive lung disease and a partially reversible obstruction received increasing single doses of bopindolol (1, 2, 4, and 8 mg), pindolol (7.5, 15, and 30 mg), and atenolol (50 and 100 mg). Resting heart rate and blood pressure were reduced in a dose-dependent fashion. The actions of the drugs on lung function were assessed by whole body plethysmography. Pindolol did not influence mean airway resistance (Raw). Bopindolol (1, 2 and 4 mg) and atenolol (50 mg) exhibited a neutral effect on mean Raw. Atenolol (100 mg) and to a lesser extent bopindolol (8 mg) induced a long-lasting increase in mean Raw.