Does the use of selective versus nonselective beta-blockers affect the risk of severe exacerbations in patients with COPD?
In patients with COPD and cardiovascular disease, selective beta-blockers like betaxolol are preferred, while nonselective beta-blockers should be avoided to prevent severe exacerbations.
Selective beta-blockers can be cautiously prescribed for patients with COPD and cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, nonselective beta-blockers should not be prescribed for patients with COPD. Betaxolol may be the preferred choice of suitable selective beta-blocker for patients with COPD, however, labetalol and propranolol should be avoided for patients with COPD.
Huang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.