Single daily dose penbutolol in the treatment of hypertension: a double blind crossover comparison with propranolol

Abstract

Penbutolol is a potent long-acting non-cardioselective beta-adrenergic blocker with partial agonist activity. A double-blind cross-over comparison of penbutolol given in a single daily dose and propranolol given twice daily in the treatment of ambulant patients with moderate hypertension is described. Fourteen patients completed the study and were treated with each drug for 12 weeks. Penbutolol in daily doses of 20-120 mg and propranolol in daily doses of 80-400 mg produced similar significant reductions in both supine and erect blood pressure. Penbutolol did not reduce heart rate to the same extent as propranolol, in equivalent doses. Penbutolol appears to produce adequate control of moderate hypertension when administered once a day, and this effect appears to be equivalent to divided doses of propranolol. No serious adverse effects were reported, although one patient receiving penbutolol experienced severe eye pains at a dose of 40 mg which resolved on crossing over to treatment with propranolol.