Comparison of Intravenous AH 5158 (Ibidomide) and Propranolol in Asthma

Abstract

The cardiac and bronchial effects of AH 5158 and propranolol were compared in a double-blind, placebo-controlled intravenous study on 10 asthmatics. AH 5158, like propranolol, is a non-cardioselective β-adrenoceptor-blocking drug, but unlike propranolol it also has an α-adrenoceptor-blocking action. Both drugs produced equivalent cardiac (β1) blockade, but propranolol produced bronchoconstriction, whereas AH 5158 did not. Hence the α-blocking action of AH 5158 seems to prevent the bronchoconstrictor effects of propranolol in these patients. © 1975, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.