A randomized double-blind study of atenolol and celiprolol in mild to moderate hypertension

The antihypertensive effects of equivalent beta-blocking doses of atenolol and celiprolol were compared in 55 patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Patients with diastolic blood pressure between 95 and 114 mm Hg were randomized to celiprolol or atenolol once daily. The dose of each agent was titrated from 50 to 100 mg atenolol or from 200 to 400 mg celiprolol if the supine diastolic blood pressure remained greater than 90 mm Hg after 2 to 4 weeks treatment at 24 h following dosing. Following titration patients were maintained at constant dosage for 12 weeks. The average reductions in blood pressure over the period of double-blind therapy were similar; for atenolol -17/-16 mm Hg and for celiprolol -14/-13 mm Hg. Therapeutic success rate (percentage of patients with diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg or reduction in diastolic blood pressure greater than 10 mm Hg), based on the mean over the maintenance period, was 71% and 59%, respectively. Adverse events were minor and similar for both therapies. Once daily atenolol and celiprolol appeared similar in efficacy and safety in mild to moderate hypertension.