Double-blind comparison of ketanserin and propranolol in hypertensive patients

In this double-blind study in general practice, 444 patients were randomized to ketanserin (K, 40 mg b.i.d.) and 229 patients were randomized to propranolol (P, 80 mg b.i.d.). After 3 months, more patients on K (15%) than on P (9%) had been withdrawn (p less than 0.02). Although at 3 months the falls in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were similar in both groups, the reduction in SBP was slower on K, and up to 2 months SBP was higher on K than on P (p less than 0.04 or less). At randomization and after 3 months, average weights were similar in both groups. However, during the first month of the study, patients on K gained weight, and this change in weight differed (p less than 0.02) from the unchanged weight on P. On K, BP lowering was greater when weight gain was less. Multiple regression analysis showed that after adjusting for BP at randomization and subsequent weight changes, DBP at 1 month on K was lower with advancing age, whereas SBP and DBP at 1 and 3 months on P were higher with age. Severe adverse effects were absent. However, dry mouth, edema, fatigue, and dizziness occurred more frequently with K (p less than 0.04 or less).