Single-blind comparison of penbutolol and long-acting propranolol in general practice

A multi-centre, single-blind trial was carried out in general practice to compare the therapeutic efficacy, tolerance and compliance of penbutolol and long-acting propranolol, both given once daily, in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Two hundred and twenty-two patients (111 patients in each treatment group) completed the 8-week treatment period. On completion, diastolic blood pressure was under control in 60% of patients receiving penbutolol and in 55% of patients receiving long-acting propranolol. Tolerance of the trial medications was good. At the final assessment, 88.3% of patients receiving penbutolol and 93.7% of patients receiving long-acting propranolol indicated no problems on direct questioning. Side-effects, as elicited from a 24-item symptoms list, were similar for both treatments and were generally minimal. Compliance was good in both treatment groups.