A RISK-BENEFIT ASSESSMENT OF CELIPROLOL IN THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

Celiprolol is a third-generation beta-adrenoceptor blocker with select ive beta1-antagonist, partial beta2-agonist and mild alpha2-antagonist actions. It seems to be as effective as other beta-blockers in the tr eatment of hypertension and angina pectoris. Beta-Blockers have many c ardioprotective effects and have been shown to reduce the morbidity an d mortality from coronary artery disease in a number of trials. Howeve r, there is no good clinical evidence that celiprolol itself has speci fic cardioprotective properties other than those attributable to this class of drugs. Because of its pharmacological profile, celiprolol is less likely to cause bradycardia, deterioration in cardiac function an d other adverse effects mainly caused by beta2-blockade. Unlike most o ther beta-blockers, celiprolol has no adverse effects on plasma lipids . It seems to be well tolerated in diabetic patients and patients with renal dysfunction.