Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction β-Blockers are essential for cardiovascular disease management but can induce respiratory issues, particularly with non-selective β-blockers. Their safety in asthmatic patients is debated. Objective This study investigates the link between different classes of β-blockers and the risk of asthma and asthma-like adverse events (AEs) using data from the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods β-Blockers were first reviewed according to European Society of Cardiology classification and then using the Vashistha and Kumar classification. The risk associated with different β-blocker classes was evaluated through disproportionality analysis using the reporting odds ratio (ROR). Results Among 251,145 AEs reported for β-blockers, 4104 were asthma-related. Selective β 1 -blockers had a higher asthma risk signal (ROR: 1.15) compared to non-selective β-blockers (ROR: 0.90). α- and β-Blockers showed the lowest risk (ROR: 0.51). The Vashistha and Kumar classification detailed risk profiles for various β-blockers, highlighting differences even within the same class. Dual α- and β-blockers, hydrophilic, and lipophilic β-blockers posed lower asthma risks, while selective β 1 -blockers had higher risks regardless of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. Conclusion Although the signals detected by disproportionality analysis are only candidate risks, the risk stratification resulting from our analysis highlights the need for cautious β-blocker selection in asthmatic patients or those predisposed to asthma. Furthermore, despite the limitations associated with the FAERS data, the study reveals significant variability in risk among different β-blocker classes, crucial for clinical decisions and patient management. Drugs like esmolol, metoprolol, nebivolol, and nadolol may be safer for asthmatic patients, whereas betaxolol, bisoprolol, timolol, and propranolol should be avoided.
Source: Respiratory Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,520
OpenAlex ID: W4403837677