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A comparative study of atenolol and penbutolol in hypertensive patients
Insights
Atenolol and penbutolol equally lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Atenolol caused more bradycardia, but both drugs were well-tolerated without serious side effects or weight changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition requiring effective pharmacological management.
- Beta-blockers are a cornerstone therapy for hypertension, with various agents available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of atenolol and penbutolol in patients with moderate hypertension.
- To assess blood pressure reduction, side effect profiles, and tolerability of both medications.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trial involving 45 patients with moderate hypertension.
- Patients received either atenolol 100 mg or penbutolol 40 mg for 6 weeks.
- Blood pressure, body weight, and adverse events, including bradycardia, were monitored.
Main Results:
- Both atenolol and penbutolol demonstrated equal effectiveness in reducing blood pressure.
- No significant changes in body weight were observed during the treatment period.
- Serious side effects were not reported; however, bradycardia was more frequent with atenolol compared to penbutolol.
Conclusions:
- Atenolol and penbutolol are equally effective antihypertensive agents for moderate hypertension.
- Penbutolol may be associated with a lower incidence of bradycardia than atenolol.
- Both medications were generally well-tolerated, with no adverse reactions upon withdrawal.
Abstract:
In a randomized controlled, double-blind clinical trial with 45 patients with moderate hypertension atenolol 100 mg and penbutolol 40 mg were equally effective in lowering the blood pressure. During the 6 weeks of treatment there was no change in body weight and serious side-effects were not observed, but bradycardia occurred more frequently with atenolol than with penbutolol. Withdrawal of medication during the final week of the study did not cause any adverse reaction.
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