Pindolol in hypertension: twice-daily versus thrice-daily dosage

Afternood lying and standing blood pressure, pulse rate and plasma pindolol levels were measured twice, a month apart, in 16 cases in which hypertension was well controlled either by pindolol alone or by pindolol plus a diuretic. During the month preceding each observation, the daily dose of pindolol was given in either two or three divided doses. Plasma pindolol levels could be measured in only seven cases. In these, 4 p.m. plasma pindolol levels were significantly lower on the twice-daily dosage regimen. Mean afternoon lying and standing blood pressure and lying pulse rate values were slightly but not significantly higher on the twice-daily regimen. Mean standing pulse rates were significantly higher on the twice-daily regimen. It appears that, for the control of hypertension, pindolol can be given in a twice daily regimen in most cases.