[A field study with the combination of Pindolol and Clopamid in antihpertensive therapy (author's transl)]

In a field study comprising 678 patients with arterial hypertension efficacy and tolerance of the stable combination VKB 105 consisting of 10 mg Pindolol (Visken) and 5 mg Clopamid (Brinaldix) were investigated. Treatment with 1--2 tablets of VKB per day resulted in a successful therapy in 94% of all patients corresponding on the average to a reduction in blood pressure to 145/85 mm Hg within 14 days. In mean arterial pressures ranging between 120 and 170 mm Hg a positive linear relationship between the individual initial value and the hypotensive effect of the combination could be observed. A controlled omission trial disclosed qualitatively the respective contribution to the effect of the two components Pindolol and Clopamid. With a systematic case control of the serum potassium under the combined therapy with VKB 105 and during a monotherapy with Clopamid and antihypokalaemic effect of Pindolol could be demonstrated diminishing the tendency for potassium loss. The result revealed a far-reaching potassium neutrality of diuresis-depending stimulation of renin by the beta-receptor blocker. In 61 patients altogether subjective side-effects could be recorded, such as vertigo (5%), palpitations (2.8%), fatigue (2%), insomina (1.9%), nausea (1.7%) and vomiting (0.8%). Laboratory controls gave no indication for clinically relevant changes.