Antihypertensive effect of prizidilol

The antihypertensive effect of a new compound, prizidilol hydrochloride (SKF 92657), with both vasodilator and non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist properties was assessed in a series of 17 outpatients 2 of whom were subsequently withdrawn. After a placebo period the systolic supine blood pressure decreased from 154 (SD 3) mmHg to 143 (SD 4) mmHg (p less than 0.05) and the diastolic supine blood pressure from 102 (SD 2) mmHg to 94 (2) mmHg (p less than 0.02) during 12 weeks treatment. Standing blood blood pressure decreased by 14/9 mmHg (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.02) during treatment. The dose of prizidilol was increased by 100 mg biweekly, the mean dose being 466 mg at the end of the study. No significant side-effects were noted and the laboratory tests disclosed no significant biochemical or immunological changes during the study.