Comparison of antihypertensive efficacy: propranolol versus oxprenolol in accelerated hypertension

An open, randomized crossover study was carried out in 8 patients with accelerated hypertension to compare the antihypertensive efficacy of oxprenolol with that of propranolol. Dosage was titrated for each patient to achieve normotensive levels and was in the range of 40 to 320 mg twice daily. The same mg dosage was maintained for the alternative drug after crossover at 32 weeks for the second treatment period. The results showed that both drugs had equivalent antihypertensive effect on the erect systolic and diastolic and supine systolic blood pressures. Oxprenolol, however, produced a significantly greater reduction in supine diastolic blood pressure than did propranolol. There were no significant changes in heart rate or any of the other clinical or laboratory parameters monitored during either treatment, and side-effects were remarkably infrequent.