Landiolol is a cardioselective beta-1 adrenergic antagonist (beta-blocker) used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions. It is used to treat atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, hypertension, and heart failure. It is also used in the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Landiolol can be administered intravenously or orally. The most common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and hypotension. Landiolol is contraindicated in patients with asthma, bronchospasm, cardiac failure, bradycardia, and heart block.
Landiolol is a medication classified as an ultra-short acting, β1-selective intravenous adrenergic antagonist [1]. It essentially means that Landiolol works to decrease the heart rate (acting as an antagonist on the beta-1 receptors in the heart) while minimally affecting blood pressure or the heart's contractility [2, 3].
Landiolol is typically administered through an IV (intravenous) line and is used for the following conditions:
- Supraventricular tachycardia: A heart rhythm disorder where the electrical impulses originate in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) causing a heart rate that is faster than normal [2].
- Rapid control of ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter: Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm, while atrial flutter is a heart rhythm disorder with very fast electrical impulses originating in the atria [2].
- Non-compensatory sinus tachycardia: A condition where the heart beats faster than normal (over 100 beats per minute) and is not caused by underlying health problems [2].
Here are some of the advantages of Landiolol compared to other beta-blockers:
- Faster onset of action: Landiolol starts working to reduce heart rate almost immediately after administration [2].
- Shorter acting duration: Landiolol's effects wear off quickly (within 30 minutes) because it is eliminated from the body rapidly [2].
- Less impact on blood pressure: Landiolol has minimal effects on lowering blood pressure compared to other beta-blockers [3].