Comparison of Nebivolol monotherapy versus Nebivolol in combination with other antihypertensive therapies for the treatment of hypertension

Effect of nebivolol monotherapy or combination therapy on blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension: an updated systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of 91 randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To systematically appraise and summarize the available evidence from published randomized controlled trials considering the effect of nebivolol on blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

Literature search was performed through Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library and Scopus until December 15, 2023. Double-independent study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Evidence was pooled with three-level mixed-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 7,737 participants with hypertension, who were treated with nebivolol, were analyzed across 91 RCTs. Nebivolol was associated with significantly greater reduction in office systolic and diastolic BP compared to placebo (MD = - 6.01 mmHg; 95% CI = [- 7.46, - 4.55] and MD = - 5.01 mmHg; 95% CI = [- 5.91, - 4.11], respectively). Moreover, resulted a similar reduction in systolic BP (MD = - 0.22 mmHg; 95% CI = [- 0.91, 0.46]) and a significantly greater reduction in diastolic BP compared to the active comparator (MD = - 0.71 mmHg; 95% CI = [- 1.27, - 0.16]). When considering the effect of nebivolol on 24-hour ambulatory BP, notable reductions were observed compared to placebo. In contrast, compared to the active comparators, there was no significant difference in systolic BP reduction, but a significant reduction in diastolic BP favoring nebivolol. Based on moderator analyses, the impact of nebivolol on the pooled estimates remained independent of the dose of nebivolol, age, male sex, trial duration, body mass index (BMI), baseline diabetes, heart failure, and baseline systolic and diastolic BP.

CONCLUSION

Nebivolol, compared to placebo, showed a significant BP reduction and was non-inferior to other active comparators in terms of BP reduction.

Therapeutic Properties of Highly Selective β-blockers With or Without Additional Vasodilator Properties: Focus on Bisoprolol and Nebivolol in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Bisoprolol and nebivolol are highly selective β₁-adrenoceptor antagonists, with clinical indications in many countries within the management of heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and hypertension. Nebivolol has additional vasodilator actions, related to enhanced release of NO in the vascular wall. In principle, this additional mechanism compared with bisoprolol might lead to more potent vasodilatation, which in turn might influence the effectiveness of nebivolol in the management of HFrEF, IHD and hypertension. In this article, we review the therapeutic properties of bisoprolol and nebivolol, as representatives of “second generation” and “third generation” β-blockers, respectively. Although head-to-head trials are largely lacking, there is no clear indication from published studies of an additional effect of nebivolol on clinical outcomes in patients with HFrEF or the magnitude of reductions of BP in patients with hypertension.

A Review of Nebivolol Pharmacology and Clinical Evidence

Nebivolol is a highly selective β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist with a pharmacologic profile that differs from those of other drugs in its class. In addition to cardioselectivity mediated via β1 receptor blockade, nebivolol induces nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation by stimulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase via β3 agonism. This vasodilatory mechanism is distinct from those of other vasodilatory β-blockers (carvedilol, labetalol), which are mediated via α-adrenergic receptor blockade. Nebivolol is approved for the treatment of hypertension in the US, and for hypertension and heart failure in Europe. While β-blockers are not recommended within the current US guidelines as first-line therapy for treatment of essential hypertension, nebivolol has shown comparable efficacy to currently recommended therapies in lowering peripheral blood pressure in adults with hypertension with a very low rate of side effects. Nebivolol also has beneficial effects on central blood pressure compared with other β-blockers. Clinical data also suggest that nebivolol may be useful in patients who have experienced erectile dysfunction while on other β-blockers. Here we review the pharmacological profile of nebivolol, the clinical evidence supporting its use in hypertension as monotherapy, add-on, and combination therapy, and the data demonstrating its positive effects on heart failure and endothelial dysfunction.

Placebo effect and efficacy of nebivolol in patients with hypertension not controlled with lisinopril or losartan: a phase IV, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Most patients with hypertension require more than one antihypertensive to achieve blood pressure (BP) control.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this trial was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of add-on nebivolol, a vasodilatory β-blocker, in patients with untreated or poorly controlled hypertension, receiving stable therapy with lisinopril (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) or losartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a phase IV double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted from August 2008 to March 2010 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00734630). Patients entered a 2-week, single-blind, placebo-only washout phase, followed by a 3- to 4-week open-label lead-in phase (lisinopril, 10-20 mg/day, or losartan, 50-100 mg/day), and a 12-week randomized, double-blind add-on treatment phase with placebo or nebivolol (5-40 mg/day).

SETTING

This study was conducted at 76 outpatient centers in the United States.

PATIENTS

Participants were men and women aged 18-85 years with a diagnosis of primary hypertension and seated trough systolic BP (SBP) at screening in the range of 170-200 mmHg if untreated, 155-180 mmHg if taking 1 antihypertensive medication, or 140-170 mmHg if taking 2 antihypertensive medications.

INTERVENTION

The intervention was 12 weeks' treatment with nebivolol 5-40 mg/day added to a background therapy of lisinopril 10-20 mg/day or losartan 50-100 mg/day.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary and secondary efficacy parameters were changes from baseline in seated trough cuff SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) at Week 12, respectively. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

A total of 491 patients were randomized to receive nebivolol (n=258) or placebo (n=233). Efficacy analyses were conducted for 256 nebivolol and 232 placebo patients (intent-to-treat population); completion rates were 88.8% and 85.8%, respectively. Mean baseline SBP/DBP values were 163.1/98.2 mmHg (nebivolol) and 162.4/96.8 mmHg (placebo). Nebivolol was associated with a non-significant mean±SD reduction in SBP (-10.1±16.9 mmHg) versus placebo (-7.3±15.9 mmHg, P=0.093) and significant mean DBP reduction (-7.8±10.1 mmHg vs -3.5±10.6 mmHg, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis suggested a significant effect on DBP for patients receiving background losartan treatment (-8.1±9.2 mmHg vs -3.1±9.4 mmHg, P<0.001), but not for those receiving lisinopril (-7.6±10.8 mmHg vs -3.8±11.6 mmHg, P=0.076). A total of 28% nebivolol-treated and 22% placebo-treated patients reported a TEAE, the most frequent being upper respiratory tract infection (4.3% and 2.1%, respectively), bradycardia (2.7% and 0%), headache (2.3% and 2.1%), and nasopharyngitis (2.3% and 0.9%).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that nebivolol, when added to lisinopril or losartan, results in an additional BP reduction; however, only the effect on DBP reached statistical significance. A subanalysis suggests that the effect on DBP may be stronger in losartan-treated than lisinopril-treated patients. A relatively strong placebo effect may limit data interpretation. Nebivolol was well tolerated, as there was no difference in TEAEs between nebivolol and placebo.

FUNDING

This trial (NCT00734630) was funded by Forest Laboratories, Inc.

Effect of carvedilol and nebivolol on oxidative stress-related parameters and endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension

Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction have been associated with essential hypertension (EH) mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of carvedilol and nebivolol on the oxidative stress-related parameters and endothelial function in patients with EH. The studied population included 57 patients, either sex, between 30 and 75 years of age, with mild-to-moderate EH complications. Participants were randomized to receive either carvedilol (12.5 mg) (n = 23) or nebivolol (5 mg) (n = 21) for 12 weeks. Measurements included; 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure (BP), flow-mediated dilatation, levels of nitric oxide estimated as nitrite - a nitric oxide metabolite ( NO₂) - in plasma, and oxidative stress-related parameters in plasma and erythrocyte. EH patients who were treated with nebivolol or carvedilol showed systolic BP reductions of 17.4 and 19.9 mmHg, respectively, compared with baseline values (p < 0.01). Diastolic BP was reduced by 13.7 and 12.8 mmHg after the treatment with ebivolol and carvedilol, respectively (p < 0.01) (fig. 2B). Nebivolol and carvedilol showed 7.3% and 8.1% higher endothelium-dependent dilatation in relation to baseline values (p < 0.05). Ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSSH) ratio showed 31.5% and 29.6% higher levels in the carvedilol group compared with basal values; however, nebivolol-treated patients did not show significant differences after treatment. On the other hand, the NO₂ plasma concentration was not modified by the administration of carvedilol. However, nebivolol enhanced these levels in 62.1% after the treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the antihypertensive effect of both beta-blockers. However, carvedilol could mediate these effects by an increase in antioxidant capacity and nebivolol through the raise in NO₂ concentration. Further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanism of these effects.

Comparison of nebivolol and atenolol on blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipid profile in patients of essential hypertension

Background:

Nebivolol is a third-generation β-blocker, with highest β₁ selectivity and nitric-oxide-derived vasodilatation. It also exhibits antiproliferative and antioxidant property that has beneficial metabolic profile compared to second-generation β blockers like atenolol. This study was planned to study the comparative effects of nebivolol and atenolol on metabolic parameters in patients with essential hypertension.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective, randomized, parallel, open-label clinical study was carried out on patients with essential hypertension. The patients were randomly assigned to receive tablet atenolol (Group A) and nebivolol (Group B) for a period of 24 weeks. Investigations were carried out at baseline and at the end of study period, that is, 24 weeks. Out of 69 patients, 60 completed the study and the data was analyzed using student's t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Atenolol and nebivolol both showed significant (P < 0.001) antihypertensive action after 24 weeks. Mean blood sugar and lipid profile were found to be significantly (P < 0.001) elevated after 24 weeks of treatment with atenolol but not with nebivolol. Heart rate was significantly (P < 0.001) decreased in both groups at 24 weeks.

Conclusion:

In view of metabolic adverse effects of atenolol, nebivolol is the better choice whenever β-blockers have to be used in essential hypertension.

Effectiveness of nebivolol and hydrochlorothiazide association on blood pressure, glucose, and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients

INTRODUCTION

Only 50% of hypertensive patients receive an appropriate treatment to normalize blood pressure (BP). Although monotherapy is often adequate in normalizing BP, it is sometimes necessary to start with combination therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of nebivolol alone and in association with hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in reducing BP in hypertensive patients with new-onset, mild-to-moderate hypertension, and to assess the effect of combination therapy on glucose and lipid metabolism.

METHODS

At enrollment, patients underwent a full cardiovascular and metabolic evaluation. Patients were then prescribed nebivolol (5 mg/day). After 1 month, in those patients whose BP was not normalized, HCT 12.5 mg was added and increased further to 25 mg after 1 month in those whose BP still was not normalized. All patients were assessed at monthly intervals for a further 5 months.

RESULTS

We enrolled 233 treatment-naive patients. After the first month of treatment with nebivolol, 70% of patients had normalized BP. The addition of HCT increased responder rates to 94%. An improvement in glucose metabolism was noted with nebivolol alone (at 1 month, the reduction in Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] was 26% and remained stable at 6 months); the adjunct of HCT blunted the reduction in HOMA-IR. No significant changes on lipid profile were noted with nebivolol, either alone or in combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

Nebivolol is effective in mild-to-moderate hypertension and associated with favorable metabolic effects. The addition of HCT optimizes BP control in a high number of patients resistant to monotherapy without a negative impact on patients' glucose and lipid profile.

Review: Update on Newer Antihypertensive Medicines and Interventions

The incidence and prevalence of systemic hypertension are reaching global epidemic proportions. Despite a diverse pharmacologic armamentarium of agents to treat high blood pressure, suboptimal control remains a significant problem in as many as 43% of patients and this rate has not significantly improved over the past 2 decades. There are a variety of factors contributing to this including patient nonadherence due to complex drug regimens and medication side effects, undertreatment, and treatment resistance. There, thus, remains a need to develop novel agents and approaches to antihypertensive therapy that facilitate attainment of optimal blood pressure levels. This monograph will review a number of new pharmacologic targets and interventions as well as a novel method of drug delivery to patients.

Nebivolol: a third-generation beta-blocker for hypertension

BACKGROUND

Nebivolol is a third-generation beta(1)-selective beta-blocker that is approved for the treatment of hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the clinical pharmacology of nebivolol and its efficacy and safety profile in clinical studies of hypertension (the US Food and Drug Administration-approved indication) and heart failure (off-label use).

METHODS

Pertinent articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE and Current Contents from 1966 through December 15, 2008, using the terms nebivolol, drug interaction, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology. The reference lists of the identified publications were reviewed for additional references. Abstracts presented at meetings of the American Heart Association and the American Society of Hypertension from 2006 through 2008 were also reviewed. All human clinical trials were included, regardless of design.

RESULTS

Twelve published clinical trials were identified that evaluated the use of nebivolol in the management of hypertension; 1 was placebo controlled, 1 was placebo and active controlled, and 10 involved direct comparisons with other antihypertensive agents. Nebivolol was reported to be as effective in lowering blood pressure (BP) as other beta-blockers (atenolol and bisoprolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (lisinopril and enalapril), the angiotensin-receptor blocker telmisartan, and calcium channel blockers (nifedipine and amlodipine). No published studies were identified that evaluated the effect of nebivolol on long-term cardiovascular outcomes. In data from a study in heart failure, nebivolol was associated with a 14% reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization at 12 months (P < 0.05). In comparative clinical studies, nebivolol appeared to be well tolerated relative to the other antihypertensive agents studied. The most commonly reported adverse events with nebivolol were fatigue (4%-79%), headache (2%-24%), paresthesia (7%-13%), bradycardia (6%-11%), rhinitis (1%-7%), and dizziness (2%-5%). Because of differences in its pharmacologic properties, nebivolol may have potential advantages in patients who are unable to tolerate traditional beta-blockers (eg, patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or men who experience erectile dysfunction while taking antihypertensive therapy).

CONCLUSIONS

Nebivolol is a cardioselective beta-blocker that has been reported to be efficacious and well tolerated for achieving BP control in patients with hypertension. Preliminary evidence suggests a potential for reduced mortality in patients with heart failure.