Celiprolol

High blood pressure is a common long-term condition that significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease when left untreated. Celiprolol tablets are a prescription beta blocker licensed specifically for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension in adults. Celiprolol has a distinctive pharmacological profile that differentiates it from most other beta blockers: it is cardioselective and also has partial beta-2 agonist and vasodilatory properties. It is taken once daily, on an empty stomach. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation with a registered prescriber.

Celiprolol tablets are an oral prescription medicine containing celiprolol hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Celiprolol belongs to the beta adrenoceptor blocking agent class of medicines, commonly referred to as beta blockers. It is licensed in the United Kingdom for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults.

Celiprolol has a pharmacological profile that distinguishes it from many other beta blockers. It is cardioselective, meaning it preferentially blocks beta-1 adrenoceptors in the heart rather than beta-2 adrenoceptors in the airways. In addition, celiprolol has partial agonist activity at beta-2 receptors and some vasodilatory properties, which means it causes mild bronchodilation and vasodilation rather than the bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction associated with non-selective beta blockers. These properties have historically made it a beta blocker considered in patients with mild airway disease, though its use in this group requires careful clinical assessment. Celiprolol is not licensed for angina or heart failure.

Celiprolol is available in two strengths: 200mg and 400mg tablets. All clinical information on this page is drawn from the current UK Summary of Product Characteristics for celiprolol hydrochloride tablets.

Important: Celiprolol must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. Food and certain drinks significantly reduce its absorption. Do not take it with food, milk, or antacids. This is a specific and clinically important dosing requirement that differs from most other beta blockers.

Celiprolol works through a combination of mechanisms that together lower blood pressure and support cardiovascular management in hypertension.

Beta-1 Adrenoceptor Blockade

Celiprolol selectively blocks beta-1 adrenoceptors in the heart. These receptors are normally stimulated by adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase heart rate and the force of cardiac contraction. By blocking them, celiprolol reduces both the speed and force of the heartbeat. This lowers cardiac output and reduces the pressure at which blood is pumped through the arteries, resulting in a reduction in blood pressure.

Partial Beta-2 Agonist Activity and Vasodilation

Unlike most beta blockers, celiprolol has mild partial agonist activity at beta-2 receptors. Beta-2 receptors are found in the airways and blood vessel walls. Stimulation of beta-2 receptors in the airways produces bronchodilation, and stimulation in blood vessels causes vasodilation. As a result, celiprolol tends to cause mild bronchodilation and peripheral vasodilation rather than bronchoconstriction. This makes it less likely to cause the cold extremities associated with other beta blockers, and has historically led to its use being considered in patients with mild airway disease, though this remains a clinical decision requiring careful individual assessment. Celiprolol must not be used in patients with asthma without specialist guidance.

Effect on Blood Pressure

The combined effects of reduced cardiac output from beta-1 blockade and mild vasodilation from beta-2 partial agonism and direct vasodilatory properties produce a sustained reduction in blood pressure. Celiprolol is taken once daily and provides antihypertensive activity throughout the day. The antihypertensive effect of celiprolol is comparable to that of other beta blockers used in mild to moderate hypertension, and it is used alone or as part of a combination antihypertensive regimen.

Always take celiprolol exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take celiprolol once daily, on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food. This is essential. Food, milk, and antacids significantly reduce the absorption of celiprolol and will reduce its effectiveness if taken at the same time.
• Take celiprolol in the morning, at the same time each day. Consistent timing helps maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water only. Do not take it with milk or other drinks.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, provided your next scheduled dose is not due soon. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Never stop taking celiprolol suddenly without medical advice. Abrupt withdrawal of a beta blocker can cause a rebound increase in heart rate and blood pressure and may trigger serious cardiac events in some patients. Your prescriber will advise on a gradual reduction if treatment needs to be stopped.

Celiprolol tablets are available in two strengths through this service. The appropriate dose will be determined by your prescriber based on your blood pressure readings, age, kidney function, and clinical response.

Celiprolol 200mg Tablets

The 200mg tablet is the usual starting dose for adults with mild to moderate hypertension. Treatment typically begins at 200mg once daily in the morning, taken on an empty stomach. This dose is effective in many patients and allows the prescriber to assess response and tolerability before any increase is considered. Older patients or those who may be more sensitive to beta blockade may benefit from starting at 200mg and remaining at this dose if blood pressure is adequately controlled.

Celiprolol 400mg Tablets

If blood pressure is not adequately controlled on 200mg once daily, the dose may be increased to 400mg once daily. The 400mg tablet is the maximum recommended dose in the UK SmPC. This increase should be made only on the advice of your prescriber after assessing your response to the lower dose. Do not increase your dose without medical advice.

Like all medicines, celiprolol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache, particularly at the start of treatment.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort.
• Bradycardia (a slow heart rate).

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Sleep disturbance or vivid dreams.
• Low mood or depression.
• Dry mouth.
• Skin rash.
• Cold hands or feet, though this is less pronounced with celiprolol than with non-selective beta blockers due to its vasodilatory properties.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Contact your prescriber or go to your nearest accident and emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:

• A very slow or irregular heartbeat, or sudden severe breathlessness.
• Worsening breathlessness or wheezing - if you have any respiratory condition, contact your prescriber promptly if breathing difficulties worsen.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction.
• Severe dizziness or fainting, which may indicate a significant fall in blood pressure.

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber or pharmacist or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Celiprolol Tablets May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult with mild to moderate essential hypertension and have been assessed as suitable for beta-blocker therapy.
• Are already prescribed celiprolol and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service.

Celiprolol Tablets Are Not Suitable If You:

• Have asthma - Celiprolol must not be used in patients with asthma without specialist guidance. Although celiprolol has bronchodilatory properties, it is still a beta blocker and can affect airway function in susceptible individuals.
• Have second- or third-degree heart block (unless you have a functioning pacemaker).
• Have sick sinus syndrome or sinoatrial block.
• Have severe bradycardia (very slow heart rate).
• Have cardiogenic shock or uncontrolled heart failure.
• Have untreated phaeochromocytoma.
• Have severe peripheral artery disease or severely symptomatic Raynaud's phenomenon.
• Have metabolic acidosis.
• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to celiprolol or any excipient listed in the SmPC.
• Are under 18 years of age (this service is for adults only).

Cautions

Celiprolol should be used with caution in patients with COPD or mild bronchospasm, as its partial beta-2 agonist properties may reduce bronchoconstriction compared to other beta blockers, but it can still affect airways in susceptible individuals. Specialist assessment is required in this group. Caution is also required in patients with diabetes, as celiprolol can mask some of the warning signs of hypoglycaemia, particularly palpitations and a rapid heart rate. Patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment may require dose adjustment. Your prescriber will assess all relevant factors during your consultation.

Important Drug Interactions

Celiprolol can interact with a number of medicines. Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements. The following interactions are of particular clinical importance:

• Antacids and milk: these significantly reduce the absorption of celiprolol and must not be taken at the same time. Take celiprolol with water only, on an empty stomach.
• Calcium channel blockers of the verapamil or diltiazem type: combining these with celiprolol can cause a significant slowing of the heart rate and reduction in blood pressure. This combination should generally be avoided unless under close specialist supervision.
• Other antihypertensive medicines: the blood pressure-lowering effect of celiprolol may be enhanced when taken with other medicines that reduce blood pressure.
• Antidiabetic medicines, including insulin: Celiprolol may mask some warning signs of hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is particularly important in diabetic patients taking celiprolol.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen: these can reduce the antihypertensive effect of celiprolol.
• Clonidine: if both celiprolol and clonidine are to be stopped, celiprolol should be withdrawn several days before clonidine, to avoid a rebound rise in blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Your prescriber will carry out a full clinical assessment, including a review of your current medicines, before any prescription is considered.

Celiprolol is a prescription-only medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber determines, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that celiprolol is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review your clinical information. This includes your blood pressure readings, heart rate, current medicines, and relevant medical conditions, including any history of asthma, COPD, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease. Where you are seeking a repeat prescription, the prescriber will also assess whether your current treatment remains appropriate.

Not all consultations will result in a prescription being issued. The prescriber may recommend a different dose, a different medicine, or suggest that a face-to-face appointment with your GP is more appropriate. This process is designed to ensure your safety.

If you are already being managed for hypertension by your GP or a specialist, please keep them informed of all medicines you are taking, including any prescribed through online services.

• Store below 25°C.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out-of-date tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

Full storage instructions are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The table below compares beta blocker tablets available at Pharmacy Planet. Beta blockers reduce heart rate and cardiac output to lower blood pressure. They differ in cardioselectivity, additional properties, and licensed indications.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, responsible prescribing, and accurate patient information. We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Celiprolol Hydrochloride 200mg and 400mg Tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed August 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed August 2026.
3. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Celiprolol hydrochloride. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed August 2026.
4. NHS. Beta blockers. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/beta-blockers. Accessed August 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed August 2026.