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Short-term cardiovascular effects of salmeterol
C M Tranfa1, G Pelaia, R D Grembiale
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
Chest
|May 22, 1998
Summary
Salmeterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, was evaluated for cardiovascular side effects. Short-term, high-dose administration did not significantly impact heart rate, blood pressure, or cardiac rhythm in healthy subjects or those with airway obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Beta-adrenoceptor agonists can cause cardiovascular side effects.
- Potential mechanisms include direct cardiac stimulation, reflex adrenergic activation, hypokalemia, and hypoxemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term cardiovascular safety of salmeterol.
- To assess effects in healthy individuals and patients with reversible airway obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Administered escalating doses of salmeterol (50-100 microg twice daily for 3 days each) to 16 participants (8 healthy, 8 with airway obstruction).
- Utilized 24-hour ECG (Holter) monitoring and arterial blood pressure measurements.
- Performed assessments at baseline, day 3, and day 6.
Main Results:
- Salmeterol did not significantly alter mean heart rate, blood pressure, or the frequency of premature complexes (supraventricular and ventricular).
- No evidence of myocardial ischemia was detected via 24-hour Holter monitoring.
- No significant cardiovascular changes were observed in either group.
Conclusions:
- Short-term administration of high-dose salmeterol appears safe regarding cardiovascular effects.
- The drug did not induce significant adverse cardiovascular events in healthy subjects or patients with reversible airway obstruction.