Clearing the Air on Beta Blockers and COPD

The jury has long been out regarding both the value and the safety of beta blockers in patients with COPD, with questions raised about whether they can improve overall outcomes and concerns centering on how these drugs may impact the respiratory system of a patient with impaired breathing.

A recent study from Australia may help lay those issues to rest.

The research was conducted among 280 patients with moderately severe COPD aged 40-85, who were randomly assigned to receive the beta-blocker bisoprolol or placebo. The investigators then followed them for two years.

Results showed no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups. All-cause mortality, major cardiac events, hospitalizations, moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations, FEV1, symptom scores, and quality of life were all similar.

Adverse events were similar as well, with COPD exacerbations common in both groups.

The authors believe these findings suggest that while beta blockers should not be prescribed solely to improve COPD or combined COPD and cardiac symptoms, they do not rule out the value of the drugs in COPD patients with conditions like heart failure or arrhythmias. The drugs may benefit patients with COPD without increasing the risk of respiratory side effects.

The study was published by The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

Highlighted in RC Buzz February 9, 2026