ABSTRACT
Nonselective β-receptor blockers (NSBBs) are first-line drugs for the prevention and treatment of complications in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and are widely used in the primary and secondary prevention of esophagogastric variceal bleeding. In recent years, studies have shown that in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), NSBBs can used to prevent liver decompensation events besides variceal bleeding, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. However, in patients without CSPH, current research evidence does not support the use of NSBBs. Although reliable data currently support the use of NSBBs in end-stage liver cirrhosis, there are still drug safety issues in patients with refractory ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and further studies are needed to explore the dose and timing of administration. This article reviews the clinical research advances in the use of NSBBs (especially carvedilol) in patients with liver cirrhosis and summarizes the therapeutic window used reasonably in the whole-course management of liver cirrhosis, so as to provide a basis for clinical decision-making.