[Study on the influence of the beta-blocker metoprolol on flow resistance of airways in patients with chronic obstructive disease of airways (author's transl)].

The effect of a single dose of 100 mg metoprolol tartrate (Lopresor) on airway flow resistance, intrathoracic gas volume, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate was studied in 10 patients with obstructive disease of the airways in a double-blind trial versus placebo. Metoprolol showed no significant effect on the flow resistance in the airways, although in some patients a clear increase in flow resistance was evident. The effect on pulse rate was significant, while that on blood pressure was less pronounced. Therefore the effect of metoprolol on airway flow resistance is similar to that of atenolol and pindolol, while it can be assumed to be superior to propranolol in this respect. The beta 2-stimulator fenoterol is capable of lowering the flow resistance in patients with chronic obstructive disease of the airways extremely satisfactorily, and equally well after metoprolol or after placebo.