title: Effects of intravenous and oral β-blockade in persistent asthmatics controlled on inhaled corticosteroids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite their benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, β-blockers are seldom used to treat asthmatics. We assessed the safety and tolerability of acute dosing with esmolol and propranolol in patients with asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Post-hoc analysis of a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial of β-blocker use in asthma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mild-to-moderate asthmatics on inhaled corticosteroids.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each participant underwent a 6-8 week dose titration of oral propranolol. A subgroup received an intravenous bolus dose of esmolol (0.5 mg/kg). Measurements were recorded pre- and post-esmolol and first dose exposure to 10 mg, 20 mg, and 80 mg of propranolol. Tiotropium was given concurrently with propranolol. Bronchoconstriction was reflected as a fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) or increase in total airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5).
  
  
  RESULTS
  12 patients completed the trial. There were no adverse effects on FEV1% or R5% following intravenous esmolol. There were significant reductions at 2 min post-esmolol in heart rate (-4.7 beats/min (bpm), 95% CI -7.9 to -1.3 bpm; p=0.002) and systolic blood pressure (-5.9 mm Hg, 95% CI -11.4 to -0.4 mm Hg; p=0.03). No bronchoconstriction was seen during up titration following the first dose of 10 mg, 20 mg or 80 mg of propranolol in the presence of tiotropium. No difference in the asthma control questionnaire at 80 mg propranolol was seen versus placebo in the presence of tiotropium.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intravenous esmolol was administered without any adverse effects on pulmonary function in selected, stable, mild-to-moderate asthmatics controlled on inhaled corticosteroids. Tiotropium prevented propranolol induced bronchoconstriction after acute dosing during up-titration to 80 mg with no adverse impact on asthma control.
authors.affiliation: Asthma and Allergy Research Group, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, , Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Short
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Lipworth
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000403:Airway Resistance; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011412:Propanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011412:Propanolamines; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D011433:Propranolol; C036604:esmolol; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide