Vasodilating effects of celiprolol in patients with peripheral obliterative arterial disease

Disturbances of peripheral blood supply have hitherto been considered contra-indications to the use of beta-blockers. This is probably due to an initial increase in peripheral resistance seen with these agents. The question of whether beta-blockers should be used with caution, or not at all, in patients with peripheral arterial disease is of considerable clinical relevance, since coronary heart disease and hypertension often coexist with peripheral obliterative arterial disease. The influence of a single 200 mg dose of celiprolol on peripheral blood flow was studied in 17 male hypertensive patients (mean age: 61.4 years) with stage II peripheral vascular disease of the pelvis or upper leg. These patients were then treated with 200 mg/day celiprolol for a period of 6 weeks. Despite abstinence from physical training, the pain-free walking distance improved slightly during treatment, and the blood pressure and pulse rate were both reduced. Celiprolol did not adversely affect peripheral blood flow or clinical symptoms. This new beta-blocker, therefore, should not be contra-indicated in patients with peripheral vascular disease, in the form of intermittent claudication.