Once-daily propranolol for hypertension

Twenty patients with essential hypertension, who were receiving a diuretic plus propranolol qid, were instructed to take their entire daily requirement of propranolol as a single morning dose. Blood pressure was measured in standing and supine positions at the end of a dosing interval. Patients were questioned about the occurrence of specific propranolol side effects during each of four bi-weekly evaluations. Mean blood pressure on once-daily propranolol did not differ significantly from that observed on propranolol qid. Daily doses of propranolol ranged from 80-320 mg. Side effects were infrequent and mild. We conclude that propranolol may be administered as a single daily dose to patients with hypertension whose blood pressure already has been controlled on a qid regimen.