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Atenolol, a daily beta-blocker, effectively controlled hypertension in patients previously treated with other medications. This study found atenolol well-tolerated with no adverse effects on respiratory function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension management requires effective and well-tolerated medications.
- Previous treatments like methyldopa, chlorthalidone, and other beta-blockers may have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and tolerability of once-daily atenolol in hypertensive patients.
- To evaluate the impact of atenolol on respiratory function.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month study involving 41 hypertensive patients.
- Assessed patients previously uncontrolled on other medications (n=12) and those on other beta-blockers (n=11).
- A double-blind trial on 30 patients evaluated respiratory functions.
Main Results:
- Atenolol demonstrated effectiveness in patients previously treated with methyldopa/chlorthalidone and other beta-blockers.
- The drug was generally well-tolerated, with fatigue and headache reported by a minority of patients.
- No significant changes in expiratory flow rates were observed in smokers or non-smokers after 3 months of atenolol treatment.
Conclusions:
- Once-daily atenolol is an effective and well-tolerated option for managing hypertension.
- Atenolol does not appear to adversely affect respiratory function in hypertensive patients.
Abstract:
The efficary of atenolol given one daily was assessed in 41 otherwise healthy hypertensive patients over a period of six months. Twelve patients whose blood pressure was not well-controlled on methyldopa and chlorthalidone and 11 patients who were treated previously with other beta-blockers all benefited from atenolol which appeared to be effective and well-tollerated. Ten patients complained of fatigue not necessarily related to a drop in blood pressure, and two of headache. Respiratory functions were assessed in a double blind trial on 30 patients. No significant changes in any of the expiratory flow rates were recorded after three months of continuous treatment with atenolol in either smokers or nonsmokers.