Reversible bronchospasm with the cardio-selective beta-blocker celiprolol in a non-asthmatic subject

Summary 

Beta (β)-blockers are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease but are well recognised for causing bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects. The third-generation cardio-selective β-blocker celiprolol is a selective β₁-adrenergic blocking agent with β₂-agonist properties and would therefore be a preferred β-blocker if an asthmatic subject required treatment with β-blockers for cardiovascular disease. We present the case of a 79-year-old man with ischaemic heart disease and hypertension but no preceding respiratory disease who developed significant bronchoconstriction on celiprolol, which resolved completely on drug cessation alone with no relapse of respiratory symptoms two years after cessation of treatment.

Keywords: Selective beta blockers, Celiprolol, Bronchoconstriction, Asthma