Comparison of the antihypertensive effects of betaxolol to atenolol.

A randomized double-blind multicenter study compared a new oral beta 1-adrenergic antagonist, betaxolol 10 to 40 mg (n = 71), with atenolol 25 to 100 mg (n = 75). Each drug was administered once daily for 24 weeks in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken 24 hours after dosing. Each drug produced significant (p less than 0.01) reductions in mean supine diastolic BP. The mean decrease in supine diastolic BP with betaxolol was significantly greater at weeks 4, 6, 10 and 12 (p less than 0.05). Throughout the remainder of the trial (weeks 14 to 24), no significant differences in BP reduction were noted between treatment groups. Normotension (supine diastolic BP less than or equal to 90 mm Hg) was achieved in 72% of those given betaxolol compared with 52% of those given atenolol (p less than 0.05). The most common side effects noted were bradycardia, fatigue and headache. The incidence of these and of central nervous system side effects was similar between the betaxolol and atenolol groups. Both agents were well tolerated. At recommended doses, betaxolol once daily may be more effective than atenolol once daily in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.