Selectivity of beta adrenoreceptor antagonist drugs assessed by histamine bronchial provocation

R. E. Ruffin, P. A. Frith, R. C. Anderton, C. R. Kumana, M. T. Newhouse, F. E. Hargreave

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22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In a double-blind, within-patient, randomized study, 12 mild asthmatics were given single oral doses of propranolol (80 mg), metoprolol (100 mg), timolol (10 mg), or placebo. Resting heart rate and forced expiratory volume in one sec (FEV1) were measured before and 90 min after treatment. Nonspecific bronchial reactivity was measured by inhaled histamine at 90 min. Following each active drug, resting heart rate changed to a similar extent and to a greater degree than after placebo (p < 0.01). Changes in FEV, were small and not different from those after placebo. In contrast, after each active drug, bronchial reactivity increased more than after placebo. The degree of reactivity with each active drug was similar but the differences from corresponding placebo values were significant (p < 0.05). We conclude that, in mild asthmatics, nonspecific bronchial reactivity is a more sensitive index of airway effects than resting FEV1. Moreover, in the context of this study, since the β-blockers were given in doses likely to induce equivalent cardiac β-blockade, there is no evidence to suggest that any one of them is more "cardioselective" than the others.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)536-540
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Volume25
Issue number5 PART 1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 1979
Externally publishedYes

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