The Treatment of Hypertensive Asthmatic Subjects with Highly Selective β blocker - Nebivolol

Abstract 

Rationale

The benefit from using selective β blockers due to arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease is well known. Asthmatic subjects are the special “group of risk” with relative contraindications for this therapy. The novel highly selective β-blocker nebivolol which additionally posses vasodilatatory effect through nitric oxide release is potentially safe in asthma.

Methods

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of one dose 5 mg of nebivolol orally administrated compared with placebo to spirometric parameters and blood pressure. The study was performed double-blind cross–over method in patient with mild/moderate persistent asthma. The patients were treated with nebivolol or placebo with 7 days of “wash–out”. The spirometry was done at 0, 2 h, 6h and 24 h after administration. Blood pressure was measured continuously through 24 hours.

Results

None of the patient reacted with dyspnoe or with significant fall of FEV₁. In all cases a moderate but significant decrease of blood pressure was observed.

Conclusions

Nebivolol seems to be a safe and effective in treatment asthmatic hypertensive patients.

*In Pakistan, it is marketed by Searle Pakistan Limited as Byscard.