Circadian antihypertensive profile of carvedilol (BM 14190)

Carvedilol (BM 14190) is a new potent and well-tolerated beta-adrenoceptor antagonist with vasodilating properties. Acute clinical studies have confirmed its efficacy as an antihypertensive agent. The present double-blind, randomized, metoprolol-controlled, long-term study reports the therapeutic results of carvedilol in essential hypertensive patients. Compared with placebo, carvedilol significantly reduces blood pressure after oral administration of 50 mg on a single and twice daily regimen. The antihypertensive effect was acute in onset, comparable in supine and standing position, and exercise-induced hypertension and tachycardia were significantly reduced. Indirect automatic 24 h blood pressure monitoring reliably confirmed clinic blood pressure and demonstrated a good antihypertensive effect of carvedilol after a single oral administration throughout daily activities and sleeping periods.