title: Beta-adrenoceptor blockade and CNS-related subjective symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of metoprolol CR/ZOK, atenolol and propranolol LA in healthy subjects.
abstract: The effect of once daily treatment with atenolol (100 mg), metoprolol CR/ZOK (100 mg) and propranolol LA (160 mg) for one week on CNS-related subjective symptoms was compared with that of placebo using a randomised, double-blind cross-over design in 12 healthy volunteers. The symptoms were recorded using a previously documented self-administered questionnaire (MSE-profile), which included three dimensions: Contentment, Vitality and Sleep. Compared to placebo, all three beta-adrenoceptor antagonists reduced the exercise heart rate at 24 hours but a somewhat more pronounced effect was found with propranolol LA. No significant difference in any of the dimensions was detected between placebo and either metoprolol CR/ZOK or atenolol tablets. Following propranolol LA treatment a deterioration in the dimensions Vitality and Sleep was observed compared with both placebo and the beta 1-selective drugs. Difference in lipophilicity between the beta 1-selective agents metoprolol and atenolol has little bearing on the occurrence of the CNS-related symptoms, in comparison to the marked effects of the lipophilic and nonselective compound propranolol.
authors.affiliation: Research Laboratories, AB Hässle, Mölndal, Sweden.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dimenäs
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Macdonald
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000328:Adult; D001262:Atenolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008790:Metoprolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013607:Tablets; D001262:Atenolol; D011433:Propranolol; D008790:Metoprolol