Comparison between metoprolol and propranolol as antihypertensive agents. A double-blind cross-over study.

A new selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent--metoprolol--is compared to a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent--propranolol--according to a double-blind cross-over technique in 23 hypertensive women, who had previously taken alprenolol and propranolol during different periods. No significant differences were found for blood pressure, heart rate, body weight or serum uric acid. No side-effects which could be related to the therapy were seen with either drug.