Could a common heart drug cut COPD hospitalizations?
NCT ID NCT03566667
First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether adding the beta-blocker metoprolol to standard care can reduce a combined risk of death, COPD flare-ups, and heart-related hospitalizations in people with COPD who do not have known heart disease. About 1,700 adults with COPD will receive either metoprolol or usual care, and their outcomes will be tracked for one year. The goal is to see if this inexpensive drug can offer broader protection for COPD patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, added to standard COPD care
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a low-cost way to reduce hospitalizations and deaths in people with COPD, even without heart disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a pragmatic, unblinded trial, so results may be influenced by expectations. Metoprolol can cause side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue, and may not benefit all COPD patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University Hospital of Örebro
Örebro, 701 85, Sweden
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