beta-Adrenoceptor-blocking agents and the kidney: effect of nadolol and propranolol on the renal circulation

A HPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of Nadolol in rat plasma: Development, validation, and application to pharmacokinetic study

A sensitive validated method has been developed for the quantification of Nadolol in rat plasma by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) using deuterated Nadolol (Nadolol D9) as internal standard (IS). The liquid-liquid extraction method using ethyl acetate was employed for the sample pretreatment. The separation was achieved on the Agilent Zorbax XDB C18 column (150  mm  ×  4.6  mm ID., 3.5  μm). The column temperature was controlled at 30°C. The components were eluted by using mobile phase A (10  mM ammonium formate) and mobile phase B (acetonitrile) in the ratio of 20:80  v/v with a flow rate of 0.5  mL/min. And 15  μL aliquot was injected in an isocratic elution mode with a total run time of 2.5  min. The multiple reactions monitoring transitions, m/z 310.20/254.10 for Nadolol and IS 319.20/255.00 were selected to achieve high selective analysis. The method exhibited great selectivity and linearity over the concentration range of 6 to 3000  ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was found to be 6  ng/mL. The developed method proved acceptable results on selectivity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, and stability studies as per Food and Drug Administration guidelines. This HPLC-MS/MS assay was successfully applied to get the pharmacokinetics parameters in rat plasma.

Renal Hemodynamic Changes after β-Blocker-Diuretic Combination Therapy in Azotemic Hypertensive Patients

The effects of β-blocker therapy with either nadolol or propranolol were compared during therapy with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 50 mg b.i.d. on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), effective renal blood flow (ERBF), blood pressure, and heart rate in 22 patients with essential hypertension and mild to moderate renal insufficiency. The clearances of inulin and para-aminohippurate (PAH) were used to estimate renal hemodynamic measurements. These parameters were determined after 2 weeks of HCTZ plus placebo and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the addition of β-blocker to HCTZ. Significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate were seen, but no significant reduction of renal hemodynamics were seen with either β-blocker-HCTZ combination. Since 50% of the patients in each drug group were either Black or White, hemodynamic data were also analyzed by race. One month after β-blocker addition there was a slight reduction of GFR in both Whites (47 ± 6 vs. 40 ± 5 ml/min, p > .05) and Blacks (44 ± 5 vs. 40 ± 6 ml/min, p < .05). By month 6, GFR in Whites rose to 57 ± 9 ml/min, whereas in Blacks it fell significantly to 36 ± 6 ml/min (p < .01). Similarly, at month 1, ERBF declined by 12% and 13% in Whites and Blacks, respectively. However, at month 6, ERBF rose by 28% in Whites and remained 11% lower in Blacks, p< .05. In summary, in the group as a whole neither β-blocker significantly altered renal hemodynamics when added to HCTZ therapy. However, after six months of combined therapy, Whites had elevations whereas Blacks had reductions of GFR and ERBF. These results suggest that the addition of β-blocker to diuretic therapy may be detrimental to certain hypertensive patients with limited renal reserve accelerating their need for a renal replacement therapy.

[Perioperative beta-blockers. Part one: fundamentals]

PURPOSE

To review the pharmacologic and pathophysiologic information necessary to prescribe beta-blockers (BB) in perioperative medicine.

DATA SOURCE

Manual retrieval and electronic research of the literature using MEDLINE (key-words: anesthesia and beta- blocker; surgery and beta-blocker).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Cardioselective BB inhibit preferentially beta-1 receptors, inducing a decrease in heart rate and cardiac inotropism leading to reduction of oxygen myocardial consumption. Non-cardioselective BB inhibit also beta-2 receptors, increasing bronchial and peripheral vascular resistances and uterine contractions. However, some BB are also vasodilators (carvedilol, celiprolol, labetalol). Contraindications to BB result logically from their pharmacological effects. Treatment with BB increases membrane beta-receptor density; this explains sympathetic overactivity observed during weaning of treatment. Since the discovery of propranolol in 1964, the use of BB has been controversial in anesthesia. Formerly, the adverse effects of partial sympatholysis during anesthesia and surgery were feared. However, since 1973, experimental and clinical data have suggested a protective hemodynamic effect.

CONCLUSION

Continued administration of BB up to the time of anesthesia has been encouraged except in patients with signs of intolerance such as hypotension or excessive bradycardia.

Bioequivalence of two tablet formulations of nadolol using single and multiple dose data: assessment using stereospecific and nonstereospecific assays

Nadolol, a nonspecific beta-blocker, is a racemate composed of equal amounts of four stereoisomers, namely, SQ-12148, SQ-12149, SQ-12150, and SQ-12151. In an open-label, randomized, four-period crossover study, the pharmacokinetics of nadolol and its stereoisomers and the bioequivalence of two formulations of nadolol were assessed in 20 healthy male subjects following a single dose (80 mg) and multiple doses (80 mg; once daily for 7 days). A standard granulated tablet and direct compressed tablet formulations, each containing 80 mg of nadolol, with different in vitro dissolution profiles that met current USP requirements were used. The four treatments were single and multiple doses of granulated tablet, and single and multiple doses of compressed tablet. There was a 7 day washout period between successive treatments. All doses of nadolol were administered after an overnight fast. Serial blood samples were collected up to 72 h following the single dose and during multiple dose treatments, following day 6 and 7 doses. Validated high-performance liquid chromatographic assays were applied to measure nadolol and its stereoisomers in the study samples. Plasma concentration data were subjected to noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Both C(max) and AUC values were significantly greater for SQ-12150 when compared to other nadolol stereoisomers obtained after a single dose or at steady state. However, T(max) and T1/2 values were similar among the four isomers. The observed steady state AUC tau values for nadolol (2278-2331 ng h/ML) or its stereoisomers (550-874 ng h/ML) were significantly greater than those predicted from the single dose AUCinf values (nadolol, 1840-1845 ng h/ML; isomers, 450-713 ng h/ML). The intrasubject variability, computed from multiple dose data, was generally greater for the stereoisomers (17-40%) than for nadolol (10-32%). The two formulations were bioequivalent for nadolol (C(max) = 0.98 [84%, 117%]; AUCinf = 1.03 [93%, 116%]) and SQ-12150 (C(max) = 1.12 [89%, 122%]; AUCinf = 0.98 [82%, 119%]) after a single dose, and only for nadolol (C(max) = 1.07 [84%, 118%]; AUCinf = 1.02 [91%, 113%]) at steady state.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous and oral nadolol for supraventricular tachycardia in children

The efficacy and safety of oral nadolol in supraventricular tachycardia were evaluated prospectively in 27 children (median age 5.5 years). Fifteen patients had an unsuccessful trial of digoxin therapy. Intravenous nadolol was given to seven patients during electrophysiologic study; five of these had an excellent response and two had a partial response (25% decrease in tachycardia rate). Six of these patients had a similar response to oral nadolol. Twelve patients received both propranolol and nadolol. Among six patients, intravenous propranolol was successful in four and unsuccessful in two; all six had a similar response to oral nadolol. With oral propranolol, tachycardia was well controlled in four patients and persistent in two; five of five patients had a similar response to oral nadolol. Twenty-six patients were treated with oral nadolol; the arrhythmia was well controlled in 23, 2 had recurrent tachycardia and 1 patient had tachycardia at a 25% slower rate. The effective dose of nadolol ranged between 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg body weight once daily (median dose 1 mg/kg per day). During follow-up (3 to 36 months), compliance and tolerance were excellent; excluding 2 patients with reactive airway disease who developed wheezing, only 3 (12%) of 24 had side effects necessitating a change in drug therapy. Once a day nadolol is a safe and effective agent in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children. Its long-term efficacy can be predicted by the short-term response to intravenous nadolol or propranolol during programmed electrophysiologic study.

Renal and adrenal responsiveness to angiotensin II: influence of beta adrenergic blockade

The increase in aldosterone secretion that occurs in response to Angiotensin II (AII) is enhanced when normal humans are in external balance on a low salt diet. The responsible mechanism has not been identified. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition reduces blood levels of AII and aldosterone, but does not decrease PRA or AI and does not modify adrenal responsiveness to AII in the sodium-depleted state. This study was designed to assess the possibility that the enhanced adrenal response reflects plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma AI concentration, or catecholamines acting via a beta adrenergic receptor. Nine healthy males were studied when in balance on a high sodium intake (200 mmol Na/day), a low sodium diet (10 mmol Na) and after 4 days of beta adrenergic blockade with either nadolol or propranolol. The adequacy of beta adrenergic blockade was assessed with a postural stimulus and significant blockade was achieved, somewhat more with nadolol (40 mg/day) than with propranolol (Inderal LA, 80 mg every 12 hrs). Beta blockade enhanced the renal vascular and pressor response to AII but did not modify the adrenal response to posture or to AII. This study confirms the role for AII levels in the modulation of renal vascular and pressor responses to AII and rules out a role for PRA, AI, or catecholamines acting via a beta adrenergic receptor in the modulation of adrenal responsiveness to AII.

Beta blockers induce different intrarenal effects in humans: demonstration by selective infusion of tertatolol and propranolol

The effects of tertatolol and propranolol on renal circulation were studied in patients with normal renal function to test the hypothesis that various beta blockers may have different vasomotor effects within the renal vascular bed. Left renal blood flow was measured by the continuous thermodilution method before (t0), and 5 (t1), 10 (t2), 20 (t3), and 30 (t4) minutes after a selective infusion of tertatolol (0.25 mg, N = 4) or propranolol (2.5 mg, N = 4) into the left renal artery. Heart rate, cardiac output, aortic and right atrial pressures, and systemic vascular resistances did not significantly vary after either drug throughout the study. Plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone in arterial and renal venous blood started to decrease at t1 after each drug. After propranolol, renal blood flow, renal vascular resistance and the renal arteriovenous oxygen difference were unchanged. Conversely, after tertatolol at t3, renal blood flow was increased (from 426 +/- 18 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 509 +/- 56 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .03), renal vascular resistance and renal arteriovenous oxygen difference were decreased (P less than .001), and the renal blood flow/cardiac output ratio was increased (P = .03). The filtration fraction did not vary after either drug, as attested by the unchanged polyfructosan extraction coefficient. This clinical study shows that selective infusion of a single low dose of tertatolol into the renal artery results in a delayed intrarenal vasodilator effect, while at the dose tested propranolol does not modify renal hemodynamics.

[Beta blockers and anesthesia]

Beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (BB) demonstrate a competitive antagonism with endogenous catecholamines. Beta-1 receptor blockade mediates the depressive action on contractility, heart rate and atrio-ventricular conduction. Beta-2 receptor blockade mediates vascular, bronchial and uterine smooth muscle constriction. BB with beta-1 selective and intrinsec sympathomimetic activity do not increase systemic vascular resistance. BB are mostly used to treat ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and arrhythmias. Bradycardia, hypotension and bronchospasm are the main hazards in BB treated patients undergoing anaesthesia. However giving BB with premedication to patients taking usely this treatment allows better perioperative haemodynamic stability and avoids rebound effect. Experimentally, oxprenolol reverses regional dysfunction in ischaemic myocardium under halothane anaesthesia. During and after anaesthesia, intravenous (i.v.) BB must be used with caution to treat hypertension associated with tachycardia. In controlled hypotension, i.v. BB potentialise other agents. In phaechromocytoma surgery, alpha-blocking drugs are essential but additional BB can control tachycardia successfully. In coronary artery bypass surgery, giving BB prior to induction decreases cardiac enzymes serum levels. Esmolol, a new ultra-short-acting BB, would control perioperative tachycardia and hypertension without risk of prolonged cardiac depression.

Comparative cardiovascular effects of drugs used for hypertension

Currently 4 classes of antihypertensive drugs - diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - are most commonly used to treat hypertensive patients. Each class of drug has a distinctive cardiovascular pharmacodynamic profile and even within classes there exist agents with slightly different properties. The effects of the various drug classes on the heart and peripheral circulation, on the kidney and electrolyte metabolism, on the brain and on the renin-angiotensin system are now reasonably well described. Knowledge and understanding of these different cardiovascular effects are extremely important in order to adapt treatment to the needs of an individual patient. Furthermore, when combination therapy becomes necessary, the different cardiovascular aspects of the various drugs can be used to enhance antihypertensive efficacy and to attenuate adverse effects of separate compounds.

Renal effects of antihypertensive drugs

Antihypertensive drugs have disparate effects on renal haemodynamics, tubular function, plasma electrolytes, and hormonal responses. Calcium entry blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are unique in that they may increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow in patients with hypertension. Both classes of drugs are distinctive in that they prevent salt retention because of their inhibitory effect on tubular sodium reabsorption. In addition to these attributes, which are desirable in terms of lowering systemic blood pressure, these 2 classes of drugs exert important intrarenal effects which may participate in limiting the progression of renal disease. ACE inhibitors have been shown to protect against the development of glomerulosclerosis in various experimental models of renal insufficiency. Importantly, there is emerging evidence from human studies supporting a distinctive beneficial effect of these agents on renal function in patients with hypertension, mild chronic renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus. Calcium entry blockers have also been shown to exert some beneficial effect in limiting the progression of experimental kidney disease but neither an improvement in glomerular sclerosis nor a decrease in proteinuria have been clearly documented. At present ACE inhibitors appear the most attractive agents in terms of arresting the progression of renal disease. Acute deterioration in renal function may occur following the administration of ACE inhibitors, calcium entry blockers, and beta-blockers. This complication should be considered in every patient on antihypertensive therapy who suffers an unexplained deterioration in renal function. In particular, the sudden deterioration in renal function following initiation of therapy with an ACE inhibitor is a clue to the possible presence of bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of a solitary functioning kidney. Renal damage may also occur in patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis even though total (2-kidney) GFR may not be appreciably reduced. In this setting, a captopril renal scan with hippuran and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) provides physiological information regarding the renal blood flow and GFR of each kidney. In patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis the impact of ACE inhibitor therapy on GFR may be discerned by the use of the DTPA scan, which may demonstrate a reduction in GFR in the stenotic kidney that is not apparent by evaluation of total kidney GFR. This suggests that despite adequate control of systemic blood pressure and unchanged plasma creatinine progressive kidney damage in the stenotic kidney ensues.

Evaluation of the natriuretic and beta-adrenoceptor-blocking effects of tienoxolol in normal volunteers

The beta-adrenoceptor blocking and diuretic properties of tienoxolol (150 mg and 300 mg) were investigated and compared to those of a placebo in a double-blind, cross-over trial in six healthy volunteers. Heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) at rest and during vigorous exercise, plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone levels at rest, and diuresis and urinary electrolyte excretion values were measured before and at intervals up to 24 h after oral administration of the drugs. In addition, the clearances of electrolytes, uric acid, and creatinine were calculated, as well as the fractional sodium excretion (Fe Na%) before and 4 h and 24 h after drug intake. Finally, tienoxolol plasma levels were measured. Tienoxolol significantly and dose-dependently reduced exercise-induced tachycardia. This effect started 1 h after drug administration, peaked between 4 h and 6 h (-12% and -17% from control values at 150 mg and 300 mg, respectively), and lasted at least 12 h. Resting HR was decreased at 300 mg (P less than 0.05), PRA was decreased at both doses (P less than 0.05), but PEFR was not drug-affected. 24-h cumulative sodium excretion was increased (+24% at 150 mg [NS], +38% at 300 mg [P less than 0.01]) as compared to placebo, and Fe Na% did not change, regardless of the dose administered. 24-h cumulative diuresis was moderately increased by tienoxolol (NS), whereas creatinine clearance rose after the 300-mg dose, suggesting that tienoxolol might increase glomerular filtration rate. Plasma aldosterone levels remained unchanged. Finally, the elimination half-life of tienoxolol was 7.5 h. Thus, in healthy volunteers, tienoxolol behaves as an early acting and relatively long-lasting selective beta 1-adrenoceptor blocking drug endowed with significant natriuretic properties.

Preserved renal perfusion during beta blockade by tertatolol with and without cyclooxygenase inhibition in normal humans

The systemic and renal hemodynamic effects of tertatolol, a new noncardioselective beta blocker without partial agonist activity, given alone or in combination with cyclooxygenase inhibition by acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), were investigated in eight healthy volunteers. Tertatolol 5 mg, aspirin 1 g, tertatolol 5 mg together with aspirin 1 g and placebo were administered at 1-week intervals in a random order and in a double-blind fashion. Cardiac output was measured by Doppler echography and renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by constant infusion techniques using (123I) iodohippurate and (51Cr) EDTA, respectively. Measurements were performed before and then successively 2 and 4 hours after oral intake of drugs or placebo. Tertatolol decreased cardiac output by 22% (P less than .05) and heart rate by 17% (P less than .05) without change in blood pressure, renal blood flow, and GFR. The same effects occurred when tertatolol was given together with aspirin. Either placebo or aspirin alone had no effect on systemic and renal hemodynamics. These results suggest that cardiac output is redistributed to the kidneys after tertatolol intake in normal humans. This favorable effect on renal hemodynamics is probably not mediated by a local release of vasodilating prostaglandins.

Effects of dilevalol, an R, R-isomer of labetalol, on blood pressure and renal function in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension

The effects of oral dilevalol (an R, R-isomer of labetalol), a new beta-adrenoceptor blocker with beta 2-receptor stimulating and alpha-recepter blocking properties on blood pressure, renal function, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone have been studied in 15 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension treated with it for 6 weeks. Two patients with apparent treatment failure and one patient who developed muscle pain and cramps, and had an elevated creatine phosphokinase level, were excluded from the study. Dilevalol monotherapy 100 mg once daily for 6 weeks significantly lowered both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. Total renal vascular resistance was significantly reduced, and RBF and GFR remained unchanged. Dilevalol significantly decreased PRA. The results suggest that prolonged daily treatment with dilevalol preserves renal function and produces a concomitant hypotensive action in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. The ancillary pharmacological properties of dilevalol rather than PRA suppression may be relevant to its renal effects.

Systemic and regional haemodynamic profile of diuretics and alpha- and beta-blockers. A review comparing acute and chronic effects

The influence of the acute and chronic administration of antihypertensive agents on blood flow to various organs which are known targets of hypertension is important in the determination of drug therapy for this disorder. In association with the frequently observed fall in cardiac output and increase in total peripheral resistance in response to acute administration, beta-blockers may induce a decrease in blood flow to the brain and kidney. However, during chronic treatment it has been widely shown that total peripheral resistance returns to pretreatment levels (except for labetalol, a beta-blocker with alpha-blocking properties) whilst renal and cerebral blood flows are unaffected. Although alpha-blockers acutely lower blood pressure and induce a baroreflex-mediated increase in heart rate and cardiac output while not affecting cerebral blood flow, during chronic treatment no change in systemic or cerebral or renal blood flow is observed. Diuretics and dietary sodium restriction, which are the most widely used therapeutic interventions, are usually well tolerated; however, in aged patients in whom renal adaptation to sodium depletion is impaired, deterioration of renal function may be observed.

Nadolol can prevent the first gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotics: a prospective, randomized study

Propranolol has been reported to prevent the risk of hemorrhage in patients who survived episodes of variceal rupture. Since the first bleeding episode can be lethal, we did a prospective, randomized trial to see whether beta-blockers could also prevent the first hemorrhage. Seventy-nine consecutive cirrhotics with large esophageal varices by endoscopy and who had never bled were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: placebo; ranitidine (300 mg per day), or nadolol (40 to 120 mg per day)--which is not cardio-selective, reduces portal hypertension and does not interfere with renal flow. Since no significant differences between ranitidine and placebo treatment were observed, the two groups were combined as the control group and compared with the nadolol group. After a mean follow-up of 24 months, only 1 of the 30 patients in the nadolol group had bled, while 11 of the 49 patients in the control group had bled. The percentages of patients who had not bled 1 and 2 years after the inclusion were 100 and 94.4% for the nadolol group and 81.2 and 70.2% for the control group (p less than 0.02), respectively. There were no differences in the mortality rate. In conclusion, nadolol significantly protects against the first gastrointestinal bleeding episode in cirrhotics.

Dose proportionality of nadolol pharmacokinetics after intravenous administration to healthy subjects

To support the increasing use of intravenous beta-blockers during cardiovascular emergency and surgery, dose proportionality of pharmacokinetics of nadolol was evaluated after intravenous administration of 14C-nadolol at doses of 1, 2 and 4 mg to nine healthy volunteers. There were no observed differences in the excretion or the pharmacokinetics of nadolol with respect to the dose administered. Over a 72-h period after drug administration, an average of about 60% of the dose was excreted in the urine and about 15% was excreted in the feces. The range of values for total body clearance (219 to 250 ml.min-1), renal clearance (131 to 150 ml.min-1), mean residence time (10.5 to 11.3 h), half-life (8.8 to 9.4 h), and steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) (147 to 157 l) indicated that nadolol was extensively distributed and slowly cleared from the body. There was a linear correlation (r2 = 0.97) between the area under the plasma concentration of nadolol versus time curve (AUC) and the dose. All pharmacokinetics parameters, except Vss, were slightly, but significantly, different at the 4 mg dose. Superposition of the dose-normalized average concentrations indicated that despite these minor differences in parameters, the pharmacokinetic behavior of nadolol was linear with respect to dose. Urinary excretion of nadolol was dose independent.

Long-term effects of beta-adrenergic blockade with nadolol on hepatic and renal haemodynamics and function in cirrhotics

Non-cardioselective beta-blockers are used for prevention of re-bleeding from oesophageal varices in cirrhotics with portal hypertension. Nadolol, a non-cardioselective beta-blocker with a low liposolubility and a low hepatic metabolism, has been demonstrated to decrease portal pressure in cirrhotic patients. Since cirrhotics need long-term treatment, we investigated long-term effects of beta-adrenergic blockade with nadolol on hepatic and renal haemodynamics and function in a group of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. In 19 patients with cirrhosis, after one and six months of treatment with nadolol hepatic venous pressure gradient showed a significant and persistent decrease, averaging 19% and 22%, respectively. Hepatic function and renal haemodynamics and function remained unaffected. Oesophageal varices severity was lowered in 11/19 patients after one month, in 9/16 after six months, in 8/14 after 12 months and in 5/10 after 18 months. Our results showed that, also after long-term treatment, nadolol decreases portal pressure and, in approximately 50% of patients, oesophageal varices severity, without side-effects on liver and renal function.

A comparison of betaxolol and nadolol on renal function in essential hypertension

Betaxolol, a beta 1-selective adrenergic antagonist, and nadolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonist are both potent long-acting antihypertensive drugs. The effects of betaxolol on renal function have not been reported. The effects of nadolol on renal function are controversial. The current randomized double-blind study was designed to compare the effects of betaxolol and nadolol on glomerular filtration rate, assessed by creatinine and inulin clearances, and renal hemodynamics, assessed by p-aminohippurate clearance. Following a 4-week placebo run-in period, 15 patients with essential hypertension were randomized to a mean dose of 22 mg betaxolol for 12 weeks, and 12 patients with essential hypertension were randomized to a mean dose of 103 mg nadolol for 12 weeks. Results indicate that neither drug produced a clinically relevant effect on renal function. These findings are consistent with previously reported observations with other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. We conclude that neither of the beta-adrenergic antagonists, betaxolol or nadolol, convey a specific renal pharmacologic advantage; both are equally efficacious and safe in the treatment of mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.

Clinical differences between beta-adrenergic blocking agents: implications for therapeutic substitution

The beta blockers exhibit clinically significant differences in beta-receptor selectivity, intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, and alpha-adrenergic blocking activity. These agents also show important differences in their pharmacokinetic profiles, including gastrointestinal absorption, first-pass hepatic metabolism, lipid solubility, protein binding, hepatic biotransformation, pharmacologic activity of metabolites, and renal clearance of unchanged drug and metabolites. These many differences determine the appropriateness of administering a given beta blocker in a given clinical situation. The selection of beta blockers must also take into account concurrent therapy with other agents. Concurrent administration of beta blockers with drugs that alter gastric, hepatic, or renal function may affect blood levels, duration of action, or efficacy of beta-blocker action. The beta blockers vary in the extent to which their action is altered when they are given with other agents, and therapeutic substitution may produce unwanted side effects and toxicity. Elderly patients should be carefully monitored following interchange among beta blockers, since the probability of drug interaction, impact of adverse effects, unpredictability of response, and physiologic variability of renal and liver function is greater than for younger individuals. Therapeutic substitution among beta blockers in patients already stabilized on a given agent will require careful monitoring. Retitration with the new beta blocker will be required in many cases to assure therapeutic equivalence. Beta blockers are currently used for over 20 medical conditions. There is wide variation in the strength of the clinical evidence supporting the use and efficacy of specific beta blockers for specific conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The kidney and antihypertensive therapy

To a large degree, modern antihypertensive therapy has evolved from the development of agents that act as vasodilators but, for one reason or another, avoid the disadvantages of the nonspecific vasodilators. This review examines the impact of antihypertensive agents on renal perfusion and function and relates it to their efficacy in reducing high blood pressure. Special attention is given to beta-adrenergic blocking agents that have a minimal impact on the kidney, converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and dopamine analogs. Also reviewed are the functional abnormalities involving the renal blood supply in essential hypertension, the role of newer pharmacologic agents in therapy and the nature and extent of reactive responses that often limit the response to therapeutic agents.

Renal effects of nadolol in cirrhosis

The effects of nadolol on renal haemodynamics and function, and on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and on renal prostaglandin production were studied in eighteen cirrhotics. After 1 month of treatment, nadolol had significantly decreased cardiac output by 25% without affecting arterial pressure, renal plasma flow or renal vascular resistance. Glomerular filtration rate, filtration fraction and the proportion of the cardiac output delivered to the kidneys were significantly increased. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system was suppressed and urinary PGE2 excretion was slightly increased. The latter effects were not correlated with those on renal haemodynamics and function.

Strategies in antihypertensive therapy: implications of the kidney

Because we so rarely know the cause of hypertension, antihypertensive therapy remains empiric. However, certain principles of treatment are emerging; one of these concerns the critical role of the kidney in antihypertensive therapy. Whether or not the kidney is primarily responsible for hypertension in a patient, it is the patient's renal response to treatment that determines, to a major degree, an agent's efficacy. Vasodilators have been a conceptually attractive approach to the treatment of high blood pressure, because they decrease total peripheral resistance, which is considered to be the mechanism responsible for this condition in most patients. Nonspecific vasodilators exert a series of actions on the kidney--including profound sodium retention and reactive renin release--that limits therapeutic response. For reasons that are not yet clear, but are apparently related to specific action on calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle, endocrine function, and renal hemodynamics, calcium channel blocking agents, such as nifedipine, have an advantage in the treatment of hypertension. They cause little or no sodium retention; thus, the addition of a diuretic agent is not required. In fact, there is evidence that sodium loading in certain patients may potentiate the antihypertensive efficacy of these drugs. The renin-angiotensin system seems to be activated to a somewhat lesser degree by calcium channel blocking agents than it is by nonspecific vasodilators; in addition, these agents interfere with the actions of angiotensin on aldosterone release. Moreover, their dilator action on the renal blood supply favors sodium excretion. Nifedipine either has no effect on the renal blood supply or induces an increase in renal blood flow and maintains glomerular filtration rate, both of which combine to support the ensuing natriuresis.

Renal hemodynamics and pharmacokinetics of bevantolol in patients with impaired renal function

The effects of bevantolol on renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and the drug's pharmacokinetics were studied for 7 days in 18 patients (mean age 50 years) with varying degrees of renal dysfunction. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 had a creatinine clearance of 50 to 80 ml/min, group 2, 20 to 49 ml/min and group 3, less than 20 ml/min. After baseline inulin and paraaminohippuric acid clearance values were obtained, patients were given a single, 150-mg "priming" administration of bevantolol. The kinetics of the drug (including plasma drug levels, plasma half-life and plasma clearance) and its effects on renal function were observed for 24 hours. On days 4 to 6 of the study, patients received 150 mg of bevantolol twice daily, with only a single dose given on day 7. Bevantolol did not significantly affect either inulin or paraaminohippuric acid clearance in patients with differing degrees of renal function. In 50% of patients with a creatinine clearance of less than or equal to 50 ml/min, both the half-life and maximum trough serum levels were higher than the ranges seen in healthy subjects. However, neither value appears to be clinically relevant because bevantolol has a wide therapeutic range. Renal impairment did not change the percentages of the bevantolol dosage excreted unchanged or as conjugated drug in the urine, and no toxic or active drug metabolites accumulated in the blood. From these results, it appears that bevantolol may be used safely in short-term therapy of patients with renal impairment.

Whole-body composition in patients with angina pectoris receiving long-term treatment with the nonselective beta-receptor blocking drug nadolol

Nadolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist used on a long-term basis for therapy of angina and hypertension. It has been reported to increase renal blood flow in humans. Theoretically, this could lead to an increase in glomerular filtration rate and improved renal sodium handling. The present study was designed to test whether patients receiving long-term nadolol therapy exhibited changes in whole-body composition that might arise as a consequence. Nine nadolol recipients with angina were followed for up to one year, and serial assessments were made of glomerular filtration rates and whole-body composition using in vivo neutron activation analysis to assess nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, potassium, chlorine, phosphorous, and calcium. No significant changes in these elements were observed. We conclude that any effect of nadolol on renal blood flow in short-term studies is not associated with significant changes in body composition measured over a period of one year.

Acute changes in renal function induced by bisoprolol, a new cardioselective beta-blocking agent

The acute effects of bisoprolol 10 mg i.v., a new beta1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist, on heart rate, mean blood pressure (mBP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), para-aminohippuric acid clearance (CPAH), sodium clearance, urine volume and plasma renin activity (PRA), were studied in 6 patients with essential hypertension. Heart rate decreased by 23%, mBP remained unchanged, and GFR decreased by 14% and CPAH by 23%. PRA was depressed on average by 25%. Urine volume and sodium clearance also declined by 9 and 13%, respectively, but the changes were not statistically significant. The fall in heart rate was significantly correlated with that in GFR and CPAH. Changes in GFR were correlated significantly with those in CPAH. The acute changes in renal function induced by bisoprolol are considered to be due to a reduction in cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance.

The kidney and effective antihypertensive therapy

Whether or not the kidney is involved in the genesis of hypertension in an individual patient, it becomes a major determinant of the response to antihypertensive therapy once a treatment strategy is adopted. The major mechanisms through which the kidney influences blood pressure are renin release and sodium retention, either together or separately, but additional mechanisms may also contribute. When sodium intake is restricted or a diuretic is used, the reactive increase in plasma renin activity makes a substantial contribution to limiting the blood pressure fall. When vasodilators or agents that block the sympathetic nervous system are used, sodium retention plays an important role. Among newer agents, the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers, converting enzyme inhibitors and perhaps dopamine analogs reflects, for reasons that differ from 1 class of agent to another, a special action on the kidney that limits the reactive renal response to the reduction in blood pressure. Treatment strategies that address the problem of the renal response are more likely to be effective than approaches that avoid or ignore it.

Effects of nadolol and propranolol on renal function in hypertensive patients with moderately impaired renal function

Effects of oral administration of equipotent antihypertensive doses of propranolol and nadolol on renal function were examined in 20 hypertensive patients with moderately impaired renal function. Creatinine clearance increased, and serum beta 2-microglobulin concentrations decreased, when patients were switched from propranolol to nadolol therapy (creatinine clearance = 46.7 +/- 4.9 ml min-1 on propranolol and 52.7 +/- 5.9 on nadolol; beta 2-microglobulin = 6.14 +/- 0.66 mg l-1 on propranolol and 5.62 +/- 0.62 on nadolol). When patients were put back on propranolol, their creatinine clearances (45.9 +/- 5.0 ml min-1) and serum beta 2-microglobulin concentrations (6.51 +/- 0.67 mg l-1) returned to values comparable to those obtained before the change to nadolol was made. Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentrations correlated significantly with creatinine clearance (r = -0.819, P less than 0.001).

Intrinsic sympathomimetic activity of cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blockers and effects on renal function

The effects of a 21 infusion of isotonic sodium chloride on renal haemodynamics and sodium excretion were measured in nine normotensive volunteers. Changes in these responses to volume expansion induced by cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor blockade by drugs with (epanolol) and without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (atenolol) were examined. Renal plasma flow was significantly lower before, during and after sodium chloride infusion whilst on treatment with atenolol compared with epanolol. Urinary sodium excretion was lower on atenolol than epanolol. Glomerular filtration rate was unchanged by either drug. Basal urinary kallikrein excretion was diminished by atenolol and both epanolol and atenolol inhibited the rise in urinary kallikrein excretion after sodium chloride infusion. Although some of these findings may be due to a more potent hypotensive effect of atenolol, intrinsic sympathomimetic activity may contribute to the apparent protective effects of epanolol on renal function.

Nadolol in essential hypertension: effect on ambulatory blood pressure, renal haemodynamics and cardiac function

Chronic administration of nadolol has been reported to reduce blood pressure either without or with a concomitant fall of renal blood flow. We therefore studied the effects of nadolol 80 mg once daily on ambulatory blood pressure, renal and systemic haemodynamics in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. Ten patients took part in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, each phase of which lasted 4 weeks. Nadolol significantly reduced ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate, but had no effect on blood pressure variability. Cardiac output was significantly reduced by nadolol and total peripheral resistance increased but without reaching statistical significance. Despite the fall in blood pressure and cardiac output, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate remained unchanged. The fraction of cardiac output reaching the kidneys rose significantly and renal vascular resistance was significantly reduced. Body weight, urinary sodium excretion and urine flow rate remained unchanged. We conclude that nadolol 80 mg once daily lowers ambulatory blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension without impairment of renal blood flow, indicating a redistribution of cardiac output to the kidneys. The mechanism of the renal vasodilator effect of nadolol remains to be determined.

A comparison of the effects of intravenous propranolol and nadolol on the renal response to hypertonic saline infusion

Intravenous loading with 500 ml of 2.7% saline increased the clearance of PAH and inulin and urine sodium excretion in 14 healthy subjects. Intravenous propranolol (0.075 and 0.15 mg/kg) did not alter PAH or inulin clearance at rest but abolished the increase expected during saline infusion. There was no consistent effect on urinary sodium excretion. Intravenous nadolol (0.05 and 0.75 mg/kg) reduced resting PAH and inulin clearances by up to 25%. Both clearances fell significantly during saline infusion but natriuresis was not significantly reduced in spite of the changes in renal function. There was no evidence from these studies in normal volunteers that nadolol confers any advantages over propranolol in its effects on renal function.

The kidney and strategies for the treatment of hypertension

Renal compensatory mechanisms are a chief consideration when selecting an antihypertensive agent. The relationships, therefore, between renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, sodium handling by the kidney, and release of renin require particular attention. We shall examine therapeutic measures such as beta adrenergic blockers, vasodilators, calcium entry blockers, and converting enzyme inhibitors in light of their effects on renal blood flow.

Long-term renal hemodynamic effects of nadolol in patients with essential hypertension

Renal and systemic hemodynamic effects of nadolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic-blocking agent, were determined over a 2-year period in eight patients with essential hypertension. Arterial pressure and heart rate remained significantly reduced for the full 2 years in all eight patients. Renal blood flow and plasma volume remained unchanged, and renal vascular resistance significantly decreased. Serum creatinine levels decreased from pretreatment values, suggesting improved glomerular filtration rates. These data demonstrate the favorable renal hemodynamic effects of nadolol monotherapy in patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension during a prolonged treatment program.

Peripheral hemodynamic effects of short-term nadolol administration in essential hypertension

A study of forearm arterial and venous hemodynamics by pulsed Doppler velocimetry and plethysmography was performed in 21 patients with essential hypertension, aged 16 to 54 years, before and after short-term nadolol administration at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg. Because of a large intersubject variability in the responses of the hemodynamic parameters to nadolol, an unconventional statistic approach was used to divide the overall population of patients into two homogeneous groups. The first included nine patients (group 1) and the second 12 patients (group 2). In patients of group 1, nadolol significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure (p less than 0.001), venous tone (p less than 0.01), and brachial artery flow (p less than 0.05). In patients of group 2, nadolol did not affect any forearm parameters. Each group of patients was compared to an age- and pressure-matched group of patients receiving propranolol at equiblocking doses. Contrary to nadolol, propranolol was found to increase significantly the forearm vascular resistance in patients of groups 1 and 2 (90 +/- 19%, p less than 0.001; 63 +/- 10%, p less than 0.001, respectively). Thus the hemodynamic beta-blocking effects of nadolol in the forearm were less marked than those of propranolol, suggesting that the effects of acute beta blockade by nadolol could be offset by other effects, such as a peripheral partial-agonist effect.

Long-term experience with nadolol in treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris

Two-hundred ninety-one patients with hypertension and 313 patients with angina pectoris were enrolled and treated with nadolol for up to 2 years. The efficacy of nadolol in hypertension and angina was maintained over the 2-year period. Discontinuation because of an adverse reaction occurred with 8.3% of the hypertensive patients and 8.6% of the angina patients. The observed reactions were typical of those which occur with beta-blocking drugs. Serum creatinine levels fell significantly (p less than 0.05) after 12 months of treatment for both the angina and hypertensive patients. After 24 months of treatment the serum creatinine levels had decreased 20% from baseline (p less than 0.001). Blood urea nitrogen levels fell in the angina patients after 12 months of treatment but not in the hypertensive patients. Nadolol is safe and effective for the long-term treatment of both hypertension and angina. Renal function, as measured by serum creatinine levels, improved with long-term treatment.

Comparative effects of propranolol and nadolol on renal blood flow in normal rats and rats with congestive heart failure

Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), renal blood flow (RBF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR) were determined before and during an infusion of propranolol (18 mg/kg/hr) or nadolol (30 mg/kg/hr) in anesthetized Munich-Wistar rats with normal cardiac function. Eight rats treated with propranolol had significant reductions in MAP (110 to 98 mm Hg; p less than 0.05) and HR (316 to 242 bpm; p less than 0.01), accompanied by a 24% decrease in RBF (5.9 to 4.5 ml/min; p less than 0.05) and a 22% increase in RVR (19.4 to 23.7 mm Hg/ml/min; p less than 0.05). Although nadolol also reduced MAP (104 to 93 mm Hg; p less than 0.01) and HR (315 to 268 bpm; p less than 0.05) in eight other rats, RBF and RVR remained unchanged from baseline levels. Thus, despite similar decrements in MAP and HR, propranolol decreased renal perfusion, whereas nadolol maintained it in animals with noninfarcted myocardium. These parameters were also evaluated in rats with congestive heart failure induced by myocardial infarction at least 3 weeks prior to their receiving either propranolol (18 mg/kg/hr; n = 6) or nadolol (30 mg/kg/hr; n = 6). In the basal state, rats with congestive heart failure had significantly (p less than 0.05) lower MAP, HR, and RBF and higher (p less than 0.01) RVR compared with control rats. Propranolol and nadolol induced comparable falls (p less than 0.05) in MAP and HR. Whereas RBF tended to fall with propranolol (3.3 to 2.4 ml/min), renal perfusion was well maintained with nadolol (3.4 to 3.8 ml/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of long-term renal hemodynamic effects of methyldopa and propranolol in patients with hypertension and renal insufficiency

Studies were carried out in 15 patients with renal insufficiency and hypertension to compare the long-term effects of methyldopa and propranolol on renal hemodynamics. Inulin and PAH clearance measurements were made under baseline conditions and four to six months of antihypertensive therapy with each of the two drugs. Eight of the 15 patients (group I) were started on methyldopa and then switched to propranolol; and in the other seven (group II), the sequence was reversed. There were no statistical differences in blood pressure or inulin or PAH clearances under baseline conditions between the two groups of patients. Blood pressure was controlled equally with the two drugs in combination with furosemide. In group I, there was no significant effect of either antihypertensive drug on inulin clearance, but PAH clearance was significantly higher during methyldopa than propranolol therapy. In group II, the same higher PAH clearance was found with methyldopa, even though the sequence of drug administration was opposite to that of group I. Challenge with iv furosemide resulted in a greater 3-hour natriuresis during methyldopa than propranolol treatment. The observations indicate that glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is not significantly affected by long-term treatment with methyldopa or propranolol but that renal plasma flow (RPF) is higher during treatment with methyldopa in patients with renal insufficiency and hypertension. The higher RPF apparently enhances the acute natriuretic effect of iv furosemide.

Effects of nadolol on the spontaneous and exercise-provoked heart rate of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation receiving stable dosages of digoxin

Nadolol, a long-acting beta-adrenergic-blocking agent, was evaluated in 20 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation by means of a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Patients were required either to demonstrate resting heart rates in excess of 80 bpm or to show a rate of 120 bpm or an increment of greater than 50 bpm during mild treadmill exercise provocation (3 minutes, 1.75 mph, 10% grade). With placebo the group averaged a heart rate of 92 +/- 19 bpm, determined by 24 hours of ambulatory ECG recordings; this rate was significantly reduced to 73 +/- 16 bpm (p less than 0.001) with nadolol (mean dosage, 87 +/- 43 mg/day). During standardized exercise testing, heart rates increased to 153 +/- 26 bpm with placebo and to 111 +/- 24 bpm with nadolol (p less than 0.001), representing 65% and 52% increments, respectively. Digoxin blood levels averaged 0.8 +/- 0.5 ng/ml with placebo and were similar with nadolol (0.9 +/- 0.4; p = NS). Total exercise time on a modified Bruce treadmill protocol was 466 +/- 143 seconds with placebo and was significantly decreased by nadolol (380 +/- 143; p less than 0.01). During initial dose titration with nadolol, one patient was dropped from study for intolerable fatigue and one for worsened claudication. No patients were dropped from the double-blind treatment periods, although two patients receiving nadolol and one patient receiving placebo complained of moderate fatigue. We conclude that nadolol is a safe and effective agent for the control of spontaneous and exercise-provoked heart rates in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who were already receiving digoxin treatment.

Effects of nadolol treatment on renal and hepatic hemodynamics and function in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension

Twelve cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varices were treated with nadolol for 1 month, and the effects on renal and hepatic hemodynamics and function were studied. A significant decrease in cardiac output, portohepatic gradient, and effective hepatic blood flow was found, whereas mean arterial pressure, liver function, effective renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and urinary sodium and potassium excretions were not affected. In seven patients esophageal varices were also reduced. A significant correlation was found between the decrease in portohepatic gradient and that in cardiac output. The percentage of cardiac output distributed to the kidneys was significantly increased after nadolol treatment. In conclusion, nadolol seems to have properties useful for the treatment of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Antihypertensive and renal haemodynamic effects of atenolol and nadolol in elderly hypertensive patients

As little is known of the antihypertensive efficacy or renal haemodynamic effects of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs in the elderly we studied two such drugs, atenolol and nadolol, in elderly hypertensive patients. Ten patients took part in a placebo-controlled double-blind study of atenolol and 10 received nadolol in a single-blind placebo-controlled study. Treatment phases lasted 12 weeks for atenolol or 10 weeks for nadolol. Blood pressure, effective renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate data obtained at the end of each treatment phase were analysed. Atenolol lowered mean arterial pressure (mean +/- s.e. mean) from 129.9 +/- 1.5 to 108.2 +/- 2.3 mm Hg (P less than 0.01) while it increased mean effective renal blood flow 512.5 +/- 86.6 to 646.0 +/- 116.1 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 (P less than 0.05). Nadolol reduced mean arterial pressure from 133.2 +/- 2.0 to 113.5 +/- 3 mm Hg (P less than 0.001) but reduced mean effective renal blood flow from 558.8 +/- 32.2 to 446.0 +/- 26.9 ml min-1 1.73 m-2 (P less than 0.05). Glomerular filtration did not alter significantly with either drug. We conclude that beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs are effective antihypertensive agents in the elderly but have disparate effects on effective renal blood flow perhaps because of differences in cardioselectivity. These data suggest that comparative studies with thiazide diuretics and beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs are warranted in elderly hypertensives.

Acute effects of combined vasodilation and beta-adrenoceptor blockade with prizidilol on renal function

1 The effects of a single oral dose of 600 mg of prizidilol on renal function were studied 5 to 6 h after dosing in six normal subjects and eight patients with essential hypertension. 2 Mean arterial blood pressure was reduced to 92% of the control value in normal subjects and to 75% in hypertensive patients. Heart rate increased slightly. 3 In normal subjects, effective renal plasma flow was increased to 107% of control values while glomerular filtration rate (83%), filtration fraction (79%), sodium (84%) and potassium (50%) clearances were significantly decreased. 4 In hypertensive subjects, effective renal plasma flow was increased to 120% of control values, while glomerular filtration rate (67%), filtration fraction (57%), sodium (27%) and potassium (72%) clearances were significantly decreased. 5 Plasma noradrenaline increased significantly in normal subjects (150%) and in patients (173%). Plasma renin activity, aldosterone and epinephrine levels did not change consistently. 6 The results indicate that the acute effects of prizidilol on blood pressure and renal function are more marked in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects. Prizidilol increases renal plasma flow like hydralazine and depresses glomerular filtration rate and fractional sodium excretion like endralazine. In addition to the fall in arterial pressure, efferent vasodilation and/or a specific effect on the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient Kf may account for the striking decrease in filtration fraction.

The mechanism of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade-induced elevation of arterial blood pressure in rats

Beta-adrenergic blockade increases peripheral vascular resistances acutely and paradoxically lowers arterial blood pressure in most species but not in the rat. In this study the hypothesis has been tested of a significant participation of unopposed alpha-adrenergic mediated vasoconstriction following beta-adrenergic blockade in blood pressure regulation of conscious rats. Alpha-adrenergic blockade in propranolol-pretreated rats significantly decreased mean arterial blood pressure by 22%, heart rate by 20%, and total peripheral resistance by 14% when compared to rats treated only with propranolol, whereas cardiac output was similar in the two groups. A significant 28% reduction of coronary blood flow in rats treated with alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers, when compared to rats treated only with propranolol, is most likely related to phentolamine's indirect effects on the coronary vasculature. Cerebrovascular and renovascular resistances were similar in these groups. All changes reported were significant at the 95% confidence level. It is concluded that the mechanism of increased blood pressure following beta-adrenergic blockade in rats is related at least in part to unmasking of unopposed alpha-receptor tone, which, however, is minimal in the coronary, cerebral and renal circulations.

Preserved renal perfusion during treatment of essential hypertension with the beta blocker nadolol

Several beta-adrenergic antagonists impair renal perfusion during treatment of hypertension in man. The acute and chronic effects of a new noncardioselective beta blocker, nadolol, on renal hemodynamics, intravascular volume, and renal electrolyte excretion were studied in 10 men with essential hypertension. Oral nadolol normalized systemic blood pressure without impairment of glomerular filtration rate or renal blood flow, indicating preserved renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate autoregulation. Intravascular volume and renal excretion of electrolytes were similarly unaltered. Once-daily nadolol lowers blood pressure without renal hemodynamic of functional embarrassment.

Beta-blockers and renal function

alpha-, beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors in the kidney mediate vasoconstriction, renin secretion and vasodilatation, respectively. Blockade of beta-receptors may therefore be expected to influence renal blood flow and possibly glomerular filtration rate by intrarenal effects as well as by reducing cardiac output and blood pressure. Since the various beta-adrenergic blocking drugs available differ in the degree to which they block beta 2-receptors (cardioselectivity) and also in their intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, they would be expected to have different effects on renal function. The acute administration of beta-blockers usually results in a reduction in effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, whether or not the drug is cardioselective or has intrinsic sympathomimetic activity, with the exceptions of nadolol, which has actually increased effective renal plasma flow in some studies and of tolamolol. With chronic oral administration, the non-cardioselective beta-blockers reduced glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow. The cardioselective drugs do not usually produce significant reductions in glomerular filtration rate or effective renal plasma flow, although small increases in serum urea during treatment do occur. Interestingly, in contrast to findings with intravenous administration, orally administered nadolol produced a slight reduction in glomerular filtration rate in 1 study, so the effect of this agent on renal function under clinical conditions remains uncertain. It seems likely that beta-blockers reduce renal function predominantly by blocking beta 2-receptors in the kidney. To keep area of discussion in perspective, it is important to realise that although there have been isolated reports of serious deterioration in renal function coinciding with beta-blocker treatment, the great majority of reports are of reduction in glomerular filtration rate which are not of clinical significance, even in patients with pre-existing impairment of renal function. The beta-blockers with low lipid solubility-i.e. atenolol, nadolol and sotalol-are not metabolised, and their dose must be reduced in renal failure. Propranolol has active metabolites and its dose must also be reduced slightly in uraemia.