A comparison of betaxolol and nadolol on renal function in essential hypertension.

Betaxolol, a beta 1-selective adrenergic antagonist, and nadolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonist are both potent long-acting antihypertensive drugs. The effects of betaxolol on renal function have not been reported. The effects of nadolol on renal function are controversial. The current randomized double-blind study was designed to compare the effects of betaxolol and nadolol on glomerular filtration rate, assessed by creatinine and inulin clearances, and renal hemodynamics, assessed by p-aminohippurate clearance. Following a 4-week placebo run-in period, 15 patients with essential hypertension were randomized to a mean dose of 22 mg betaxolol for 12 weeks, and 12 patients with essential hypertension were randomized to a mean dose of 103 mg nadolol for 12 weeks. Results indicate that neither drug produced a clinically relevant effect on renal function. These findings are consistent with previously reported observations with other beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. We conclude that neither of the beta-adrenergic antagonists, betaxolol or nadolol, convey a specific renal pharmacologic advantage; both are equally efficacious and safe in the treatment of mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.