What mechanism of action does Nebivolol have?

Nebivolol primarily acts as a cardioselective β1-adrenoceptor antagonist. This means it selectively blocks the β1-adrenergic receptors found mostly in the heart. The primary effect of this action is a reduction in heart rate and myocardial contractility, leading to a decrease in cardiac workload and oxygen demand.

In addition, nebivolol has a unique property of promoting vasodilation. It achieves this through the release of nitric oxide, which contributes to lowering blood pressure. However, the main mechanism of action to consider is its selective antagonism of the β1 receptors, making it effective for treating conditions such as hypertension and heart failure.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing how nebivolol differs from other antihypertensive medications that may act through different pathways, such as inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system or blocking calcium channels.