Bevantolol vs Propranolol: A Double-Blind Controlled Trial in Essential Hypertension

Bevantolol is a novel β 1 -selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist. The Study Group evaluated its therapeutic utility (100-300 mg bid) compared with pro pranolol (80-240 mg bid) in 266 patients with mild to moderate essential hyper tension (WHO Grades I and II, sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 95 mmHg). There was no difference in their antihypertensive efficacy over six months, 77% being controlled (DBP ≤ 90 mmHg) on bevantolol and 81 % on propranolol. Hydrochlorothiazide 25-50 mg bid added later improved BP con trol in those incompletely controlled on bevantolol monotherapy. Both β- adrenoceptor antagonists also reduced intraocular pressure. Bevantolol caused significantly fewer adverse effects than propranolol with many fewer with drawals during long-term therapy. This unique clinical pharmacologic profile of bevantolol enhances its therapeutic usefulness and may relate to alpha-adreno ceptor antagonist activity, as well as to its β 1 -selectivity.