[Beta-blockers for tocolysis--comparative study of celiprolol and metoprolol]

An open comparative trial studied the action of celiprolol and metoprolol (oral) on hemodynamic parameters during parenteral long-term tocolysis with 0.1 microgram/min of hexoprenaline. The observation period covered the critical first phase of tocolysis of 48 hours. No statistically significant difference was found between the two treatment groups, but metoprolol showed a more beneficial influence on the undesirable hemodynamic effects of the tocolysis, as fall of the blood pressure and increase of the heart rate. The ISA and an additional vasodilative effect together with the beta 1-selectivity of celiprolol are supposed to be the cause for this statistically not significant difference. We think that beta-blockers with a clinically relevant ISA are less suitable for the antagonization of the cardiovascular effects of the beta 2-stimulation than such without an intrinsic activity.