A dose-response trial of nebivolol in essential hypertension

A double-blind placebo-controlled dose-response trial of nebivolol, a cardioselective beta-blocking drug which also induces endothelium-dependent dilatation via nitric oxide, has been performed. Nebivolol reduced blood pressure (BP) in a dose dependent way, and was shown to be effective given once daily, without appreciable differences between peak and trough drug levels. There was no postural component to the BP fall. There was no clear inferiority of efficacy in black patients. A single daily dose of 5 mg was appropriate, with no evident advantage at 10 mg. The drug was well tolerated, even at 10 mg daily. BP control was achieved largely in the absence of typical side effects of beta-blockade. The combination of properties of nebivolol renders it an attractive addition to the antihypertensive repertoire.