The acute and chronic effects of betaxolol on blood pressure, renin-aldosterone, and renal function in essential hypertension.

The effects of betaxolol, a long-acting, lipid-soluble, cardioselective, beta-adrenergic antagonist on renal function have not been previously reported. The present study was designed to prospectively assess the acute and chronic antihypertensive, humoral, and renal response to betaxolol, administered once daily, to patients with essential hypertension. After a four-week placebo run-in period, 13 patients with essential hypertension were treated with betaxolol monotherapy for a total of eight months. Results indicate that blood pressure is reduced, and renal function remains stable. These findings are consistent with previous observations with other beta-adrenergic antagonists.