Antihypertensive efficacy of propranolol given twice daily

The therapeutic efficacy of propranolol in four and two daily doses was compared in 63 treated hypertensive patients in a multicentre trial. After 3 months of a stable diastolic blood pressure while receiving propranolol four times a day the patients were switched to a twice-a-day regimen, the drug being given at 8 am and 8 pm, with the same total daily dose, for 3 more months. Blood pressures and heart rates were measured at 8 am, 12 noon, 4 pm and 8 pm at 4-week intervals. There were no significant changes in mean blood pressure after the change to the twice-a-day regimen, although some patients reported new side effects. Compliance appeared to be unaffected.