[Study of the influence of the beta-sympatholytic drug KO 1366 (Bunitrolol on lung function (author's transl)]

20 untreated outpatients suffering from chronic obstructive airway disease were tested with a new beta-sympatholytic agent, Kö 1366 (bunitrolol) or placebo in a randomized symptoms of bronchitis, but hacetylcholine inhalation was followed by severe bronchospastic hyperreactivity. The intravenous administration of 2.5 mg Kö 1366 resulted in a rapid and statistically significant (p less than 0.001) marked decrease in heart rate due to the beta-sympatholytic effect. Airway resistance, however, measured by whole-body plethysmography, was not affected. Kö 1366 can be regarded as a cardio-selective beta-sympatholytic drug in so far as i.v. administration is possible in patients with airway disease during a non-obstructive period. Moreover, should a bronchospastic reaction occur immediate control by inhalation of adrenergic or vagolytic drugs is possible.