[Betaxolol hydrochloride in the treatment of mild and medium hypertension--long-term effects]

All available beta-blockers are effective in the treatment of high blood pressure. Differences in the pharmacokinetics are important as they can have an impact on their clinical use. Betaxolol, a beta-1-selective blocker has a long biological half-life which can control the blood pressure and pulse rate for 24 hours. The authors investigated 20 patients with mild and medium severe hypertension by out-patient monitoring of the blood pressure. Treatment was focused on influencing the morning rise of blood pressure and pulse rate. The results confirm the effectiveness of betaxolol (Lokren) in the administered dose of 10-20 mg once per day. A favourable response was obtained in 75% when checked by a sphygmomanometer. The morning readings of blood pressure at 5, 6 and 7 o'clock following treatment did not exceed 90 mmHg diastolic pressure. It was also found that there is a statistically significant difference in the effect exerted on pressure and pulse rate in daytime, while the difference at nighttime is not significant. This mild reduction on blood pressure and pulse rate during the night is an advantage in particular in elderly patients. Lokren treatment did not have any serious side-effects it did not affect laboratory values or ECG with the exception of the pulse rate.