Clinical therapeutics
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Clinical therapeutics · Mar 2009
ReviewNebivolol: a third-generation beta-blocker for hypertension.
Nebivolol is a third-generation beta(1)-selective beta-blocker that is approved for the treatment of hypertension. ⋯ 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.
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Clinical therapeutics · Mar 2009
ReviewVarenicline: a first-line treatment option for smoking cessation.
Varenicline acts as a partial agonist/antagonist with affinity and selectivity for alpha(4) beta(2) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This activity at the nicotine-receptor level may help patients achieve smoking cessation by reducing cravings/withdrawal symptoms and smoking satisfaction. ⋯ Varenicline has a unique mechanism of action compared with other first-line options for smoking cessation. Available clinical-trial data support its use as an effective and generally well-tolerated therapy for smoking cessation in healthy adult smokers, although there is a need for further efficacy and safety evaluation in the general population, particularly those with comorbid conditions.