Celiprolol is a beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonist (beta-blocker) which acts as a weak agonist at beta 2-adrenoceptors. The drug demonstrates vasodilator properties and does not depress heart rate to the same extent as propranolol, atenolol or metoprolol. Celiprolol has shown equivalent antihypertensive efficacy to other beta-blockers, notably propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol and pindolol, in patients aged 18 to 75 years with mild to moderate essential hypertension. The drug has also shown similar antihypertensive efficacy to the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril and to combination diuretic therapy with hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Celiprolol was equally effective in adult patients of all ages, although no data are available for patients aged over 75 years. Data from a small number of clinical trials indicate celiprolol to be as effective as both propranolol and atenolol in improving work capacity and reducing the frequency of anginal attacks in patients with stable effort angina. However, the drug has not yet been evaluated in postmyocardial infarction patients. Celiprolol offers advantages over other beta-blockers, including reduction of peripheral vascular resistance and maintenance of resting heart rate, cardiac output and renal perfusion. The drug is also associated with improvements in plasma lipid profiles and does not appear to adversely affect carbohydrate metabolism or lung function, although its use in patients with reversible obstructive pulmonary disease is not recommended. Celiprolol is therefore a highly cardioselective beta-blocker with ancillary characteristics which are potentially useful in patients with hypertension and angina complicated by other conditions commonly associated with advanced age. These include impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease and hyperlipidaemia. The drug may also be preferred to other beta-blockers in patients in whom a reduction in heart rate would be particularly undesirable. Further long term (> 12 months) clinical trials and pharmacoeconomic data are now required to confirm the clinical relevance of the pharmacodynamic advantages of celiprolol therapy.