Comparison of the effects of single doses of atenolol and labetalol on airways obstruction in patients with hypertension and asthma.

1 The effects of atenolol (100 mg), a cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent, and labetalol (300 mg), a combined alpha- and non-selective beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent given in single doses were examined in a double-blind placebo controlled study in 11 asthmatic patients with hypertension. Changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured. 2 There were no significant differences between the effects of the active drugs, approximately half the patients having higher FEV1 values during each of the two active treatments. When compared with placebo, labetalol significantly reduced the effect of inhaled salbutamol on FEV1. 3 Whilst beta-adrenoceptor blockings drugs cannot be recommended in patients with airways obstruction, should they inadvertantly be given, labetalol like atenolol may be considered relatively safer then pure non-selective beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes