Use of β-Adrenoreceptor Blockers in Combination with β-Stimulators in Patients with Obstructive Lung Disease

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Abstract
Lung function can be reduced not only by a non-selective β-blocker but also by a selective β1 -receptor blocker. If both types of drug are without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, the effect of the non-selective drug is more pronounced than that of a β1 - receptor selective drug under basal conditions. The effect of a β2-receptor stimulating drug on the bronchi is inhibited by a non-selective drug, but much less by a selective β1-receptor blocker. A selective β1 it-receptor blocker can be used in asthmatics when it is combined with optimal anti-asthmatic therapy, while a non-selective drug is contra-indicated in patients with broncho-obstructive diseases. It is necessary to induce bronchodilatation (e.g. with a β2stimulator) in order to test whether or not a β-blocker can be used in broncho-obstructive disease.